The Lunar New Year, a vibrant celebration of community and new chapters, marks the beginning of the lunar calendar based on the moon’s cycles. Met with joyous traditions across many Asian cultures, families reunite and have a feast with symbolic dishes representing good luck and prosperity. Homes are adorned with red banners, lanterns and symbols to invite good fortune. From the exchange of red envelopes to dazzling firework displays, it’s an opportunity to honor traditions, express gratitude and wish for a prosperous year ahead. As we approach the celebration that falls on the 29th of January of this year, we dive into the symbolism behind the ancient festival. Each Lunar New Year is associated with one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. One of five elements accompanies one of the 12 animal signs to give each year a unique character.
2025 is the Year of the Snake and the wood element. The Snake embodies wisdom, intuition, elegance and a sense of mystery. People who are born under the Snake sign are believed to be thoughtful, resourceful and charming. They often have a strong sense of purpose and are celebrated for their calm demeanor, quiet confidence and allure. This year is linked with the wood element in the 2025 cycle and symbolizes growth, renewal and adaptability. The Snake’s qualities combined with the element of wood usher in a new year characterized by strategic growth, visionary thinking and adaptability in challenges. The energy of the Snake encourages introspection, planning for the future and an appreciation of joy and beauty. The Year of the Snake invites everyone to trust their instincts, embrace transformation and approach challenges with poise and resilience. Invite your loved ones to embody the wisdom, mystery and elegance of the snake in 2025 with curated gifts for the Lunar New Year.
Celebrating the Lunar New Year with Vanessa Hong and Declan Chan
This Lunar New Year, LuisaViaRoma celebrates alongside fashion influencer Vanessa Hong and Declan Chan, stylist and creative consultant. They share what the Year of the Snake means to them, what they’ll wear and how they plan to celebrate this Lunar New Year.
Vanessa Hong
How do you plan to celebrate Lunar New Year this year? What is your favorite tradition during this time?
I will spend it with my friends here in New York City, surrounded by food, beautiful things and positivity. My favorite tradition during Lunar New Year is 红包, the red money envelopes that are given as a sign of generosity, luck and prosperity.
2025 will be the Year of the Snake according to the Chinese zodiac. What does this sign mean to you, and how will it influence your year?
I am so so so excited for Year of the Snake. The snake is a really powerful animal in the Chinese zodiac signaling a year of transformation, release and beauty. I will use this energy to let go of habits, things and people that no longer serve me and live my life with only the most essential, beautiful things.
What is your sign according to the Chinese zodiac and how do you relate to it?
I am a rat! Although not the most majestic animal, rats are smart, resourceful and survivors. They also thrive and need to be part of a community. All of these things are very important to me. Rats are also very good with money, so I plan to embody this more in 2025.
Many people love wearing red during Chinese New Year, which symbolizes luck and prosperity. Is there a red accessory or detail you always include in your New Year’s outfit?
Red underwear!
What will you wear to celebrate the Lunar New Year this year?
Something red and dramatic with a long tail similar to a snake, and maybe I’ll incorporate some kind of snake motif into my accessories.
The New Year is also a time for new resolutions and plans. What is your biggest goal or wish for 2025?
My biggest goal this year is to launch a Creative Agency so I can tell more stories through visuals and movie shorts. I wish to spend more time in Asia: Korea, Japan and Hong Kong!
Declan Chan
How do you plan to celebrate Lunar New Year this year? What is your favorite tradition during this time?
I will be spending Lunar New Year in Paris this year because it’s during Paris Haute Couture. Fortunately, a group of my beloved Asian friends will be in town, and we will celebrate Lunar New Year with a fancy hotpot.
I don’t really have a fixed tradition. The most important thing is gathering with your loved ones and celebrating it with food, laughter and the festive spirit.
2025 will be the Year of the Snake according to the Chinese zodiac. What does this sign mean to you, and how will it influence your year?
From what I read online, this could be a year of challenges, both in work and personal life. However, it’s a year that the Chinese zodiac of the pig will experience improvement in our career if we remain flexible and sensitive to changes in our workspace. I don’t tend to follow this too much but I will definitely treat this year with caution. Meanwhile, good luck babe!
What is your sign according to the Chinese zodiac and how do you relate to it?
I share a few character traits with my Chinese zodiac sign of the pig. I’m hard-working and loyal Although I am not extroverted, I can be social if necessary. I am also generous and like to help people. So yeah, it’s pretty much accurate.
Many people love wearing red during Chinese New Year, which symbolizes luck and prosperity. Is there a red accessory or detail you always include in your New Year’s outfit?
I love wearing red. It’s a festive color, not just for Lunar New Year, but also for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, etc. And I feel sharp wearing red. I usually think red outerwear always does the job, otherwise, I will at least try to carry a red bag with cute details.
What will you wear to celebrate the Lunar New Year this year?
Since this is the year of Snake, I chose this sweater from Magliano with a snake on it. I love the styling and silhouette of Magliano. I feel this sweater gives the right punch for an outstanding LNY look.
The New Year is also a time for new resolutions and plans. What is your biggest goal or wish for 2025?
This year, I hope to have good health and be able to enjoy the work that I am doing. I also want to spend more time with my loved ones. One of my goals is to perhaps start working with a management company. I believe it will help to take my career to the next chapter. I’m also a co-founder of the luxury candle brand AOTROM. We wish to expand the brand further following the successful launch in 2024, stay tuned!
