Year of the Snake marks first Spring Festival since UNESCO inscription

Spring Festival, a long-established and beloved annual event symbolizing Chinese people's New Year celebrations, has reached a new height. Now inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, 2025 marks both the first such heritage-tagged Spring Festival and the Year of the Snake.

China holds 44 UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage items including Peking Opera, paper-cutting, the traditional physical practice Taijiquan and acupuncture. Spring Festival's influence transcends national boundaries. Thanks to a vast number of overseas Chinese, it has become a global cultural icon.

Occurring on January 29 next year, it has been a cultural cornerstone for centuries, filled with family reunions, sumptuous feasts and diverse cultural activities.

Origin

Spring Festival has a profound history, stemming from early humans' primitive beliefs and nature worship. In antiquity, people held sacrificial rites at the year's start, praying for bountiful harvests and prosperity. These evolved over time into today's festivities.

Folk customs

It has numerous folk customs, such as affixing spring couplets, window papercuts and the "Fu" Chinese character. There's also the tradition of eating dumplings and the Spring Festival eve banquet. People give money in red envelopes, make New Year's calls and visit temple fairs. Customs vary between the north and south of China, each with unique traits.

Global impact

The influence of Spring Festival as China's foremost traditional festival is spreading globally. Nearly 20 countries and regions have made it a statutory holiday. Its folk activities have penetrated nearly 200 countries and regions, becoming a global cultural gala, bringing joy worldwide.

With its new UNESCO status, there's a stronger impetus to preserve and promote its heritage. A recent surge in snake-themed items, from home decor to novelties, has enlivened the retail market. In many cities, snake-shaped lanterns are made and will be displayed during the Spring and Lantern festivals.

This first Year of the Snake with the new heritage status promises a unique celebration, fusing cultural heritage into modern trends, augmenting the festival's global charm and significance.