
DOUBLE HAPPINESS 2025
Just 28 days after ringing in 2025, we are going to be celebrating Chinese Lunar New Year with the big day falling on January 29. The public holiday runs from January 29 to 31 (Wednesday to Friday) meaning many of us get a full five days off work: plenty of time to celebrate with friends and family. CNY is Hong Kong’s favourite holiday, packed with folklore and superstitions, food, flowers and lucky red packets – turn to page 30 to gen up on some of the fun, festive traditions.
According to Chinese astrology, each year is ruled by one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac and for 2025, that’s the Snake. So what can we expect from a Snake Year? What does the Snake symbolise? For the Chinese, the Snake represents wisdom and evolution: he is not associated with evil or treachery as he is in many other cultures. What’s key is that the Snake is able to shed his skin and rejuvenate: we can therefore expect 2025 to be all about personal growth and renewal.
While the pace of change may be a lot slower than it was in 2024’s flashy and dynamic Year of the Dragon, don’t underestimate the transformative power of serpentine energy. The Snake is known for his grounded, deliberate approach to life. Stealthy and wise, the Snake wants you to move with purpose and precision, relinquishing what no longer ser ves you, so you can evolve. As you weave through the year, you have the oppor tunit y to methodically align with your true path. The key lies in trusting the process. Be inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, Bob Dylan, J.K. Rowling and Taylor Swif t, all of whom were born in a Snake Year. Gong Hey Fat Choy!