This week’s new moon, on Wednesday, Jan. 29, will signal the beginning of the Chinese Lunar New Year, which this year is called the "Year of the Snake."

Lunar New Year, often called the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, is the most important holiday in China and many other Asian communities. Every year is marked by a different animal and 2025 is the Year of the Snake.

The Lunar New Year kicks off on Jan. 29, 2025. Here's what to know about the year of the Wood Snake, from the personality traits to the various Snake elements, according to Chinese metaphysics consultant Vicki Iskandar.

Lunar New Year celebrations begin Wednesday. Here's everything to know about the 2025 Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake.

Lunar New Year festivals and prayers marked the start of the Year of the Snake around Asia and farther afield on Wednesday, including in Moscow. The holiday—known as the Spring Festival in China, Tet in Vietnam and Seollal in Korea—is a major festival celebrated by diaspora communities around the world.