Welcoming the Year of the Snake: Lingnan University scholar recounts the symbolism of the snake in Chinese culture

To celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year of the Snake, Prof Cai Zongqi, Director of the Advanced Institute for Global Chinese Studies of Lingnan University, and Mr Jerry Wang Junzhe, Research Officer of the Advanced Institute for Global Chinese Studies, searched the rich anecdotes related to the snake zodiac sign. They explained that while contemporary literature and religious stories often fuel fear of snakes, the symbolism in ancient Chinese mythology paints a different picture. Snakes were not only revered as tribal totems and royal symbols, but also regarded as emblems of health and good fortune.

Prof Cai Zongqi, Director of the Advanced Institute for Global Chinese Studies of Lingnan University.

To celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year of the Snake, Prof Cai Zongqi, Director of the Advanced Institute for Global Chinese Studies of Lingnan University, and Mr Jerry Wang Junzhe, Research Officer of the Advanced Institute for Global Chinese Studies, searched the rich anecdotes related to the snake zodiac sign. They explained that while contemporary literature and religious stories often fuel fear of snakes, the symbolism in ancient Chinese mythology paints a different picture. Snakes were not only revered as tribal totems and royal symbols, but also regarded as emblems of health and good fortune.

 

One of the more powerful symbols in early totem culture in ancient China, the snake appeared even earlier than the dragon, and was a crucial component of the dragon totem. Some experts believe that the snake was in fact the precursor to the dragon totem. In ancient legends, Fuxi and Nüwa, the mythical ancestors of Chinese civilisation, are closely associated with the snake and often depicted with human heads and snake bodies. For example, in “The Warring States literature Chu Ci: Tian Wen", it is noted “Nüwa has a body; who fashioned her craft?”. The Eastern Han dynasty scholar Wang Yi explained in his commentary “Nüwa, with a human head and a snake’s body, transformed seventy-seven times in a single day.” The stone carvings in the Wu Liang Shrine in Shandong, Fuxi and Nüwa have human faces and snake bodies with their tails intertwined, symbolising unity and harmony. These ancient totems and literary works stress the significance of the snake in Chinese culture, spotlighting its role as a symbol of wisdom and creativity that has greatly influenced Chinese mythology and history.

 

The supernatural novel “Shiyi Ji” of the Eastern Jin Period, there is a tale about Sun, the grandmother of Zhang Zhao, a prominent official of Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms period. A three-metre-long white snake suddenly leaped into the boat Sun was in, and she said to the snake “You are a symbol of good fortune, please do not harm me.” She put the snake into a box and took it home. The following day, the white snake was no longer in the box, and a neighbor told Sun that a white crane had flown out of her house. Through divination, Sun learned that this was an omen of good luck, indicating that her descendants would achieve great status and renown. Indeed, her grandson Zhang Zhao turned out to be wise and intelligent, eventually rising to a high position and enjoying a long life.

 

There are numerous stories about snakes, the best known being “The Legend of the White Snake”, one of China’s four great folk tales. This story brings the snake to life, describing its courage and wisdom as essential qualities. Prof Cai Zongqipointed out that “In the Chinese culture, the qualities the snake symbolises include wisdom, spirituality, health, vitality, good fortune, and auspiciousness. As we approach the Year of the Snake, we aspire to wisdom and the pursuit of a new life, and wish our families and friends deeper wisdom, greater success in their careers, and a coming year filled with new and exciting opportunities.”

 

During Chinese New Year, it is usual for people to offer their best wishes using four-character idioms related to the zodiac animal. Prof Cai has given a few such idioms, and the first idiom, Líng Shé Zhī Zhū, means ‘the pearl of the wise snake’, which refers to a precious pearl in ancient legends symbolising exceptional wisdom. The second idiom, Shé Guī Xiàn Ruì, means the snake and turtle bring good fortune, and depicts an image of Xuanwu as a turtle-snake combination. Both animals represent longevity and vitality, and the idiom is an expression of good luck and blessings.

 

Building on these, Prof Cai extends his best wishes to all citizens for a prosperous Year of the Snake, saying “May you possess the Líng Shé Zhī Zhū and achieve great success; with Shé Guī Xiàn Ruì, may you be blessed with good fortune; and may the Xiáng Shé Hù Suì bring peace and safety throughout the four seasons.”