BLOG

In Japanese culture there is a traditional zodiac calendar in which the years are represented by animals.  The calendar, originally developed in China, is called "Eto" (干支) and it consists of a cycle of twelve "animal years", and in totality, runs for sixty years, and then repeats.  So, for example, 2024 was the Year of the Dragon (辰 - Tatsu), and 2025 is the Year of the Snake (巳 - mi), and so forth.  Snakes, since they repeatedly shed their skins, are considered symbols of luck and regeneration.  Traditional fortune tellers associate snakes with a sense of exploration, passion, and rebirth.  Snakes are also believed to be connected to financial fortune -- good for business.  There is a superstition among some Japanese that putting a snake charm or a bit of snakeskin in your wallet will lead to monetary profits.  Of interest, in olden days Japan, white snakes were believed to be incarnations of Benzaiten, one of the seven gods of fortune, who is the goddess of wealth.  During the first several days of the New Year, most Japanese people will go to shrines and temples to pray for good fortune, health, and happiness -- these visits are called "Hatsu-mode" (初詣).  There are certain shrines which are specially associated with snakes.  Also, snake-related "O-Mamori" (お守り) good luck charms can be purchased at shrines and temples.  For more information on the Eto zodiac calendar and Year of the Snake, please click on the links provided below.  Happy Near Year!  

LINKS:

Eto Zodiac Calendar
“Eto” | Nippon.com

Year of the Snake
The Year of the Snake: Slithering into 2025 | Nippon.com