Happy New Year! The zodiac animal for this year is the snake (巳), which promises a year full of strength, wisdom, protection, and growth!
The snake holds symbolic significance across various cultures and mythologies.
In Greek mythology, the goddess Athena, associated with wisdom and strategy, is often depicted with a snake at her shield or feet, symbolizing wisdom and protection.
Moreover, the Rod of Asclepius, a staff with a single snake entwined, is commonly seen on ambulances and in hospitals and represents medicine and healing. The Caduceus of Hermes, a staff entwined by two snakes, symbolizes trade, negotiation, and balance and was said to have been used by Hermes to find water sources.
In ancient Egypt, the ouroboros& depicting a snake eating its own tail& symbolizes eternity and infinity, while the shedding of the snake’s skin signifies renewal and the cyclical nature of life. In Japan, there is a custom of placing a snake’s shed skin in a wallet to invite good fortune.
In India, the snake also plays a significant role, with the naga, the serpent god who protected the Buddha as he attained enlightenment, and the kundalini, a spiritual energy symbolized by a coiled snake, representing power and spiritual strength.
Thus, while the snake carries different meanings in various cultures, it often symbolizes divine wisdom, protection, and growth.
In this Year of the Snake, we at Learning Tree aim to be spiritually strong like the snake sometimes swift, sometimes calm and deliberate as we provide wisdom, protection, and growth to our students.
May our school’s growth in the elementary bring hope and abundance to many families, and we hope to protect you like the snake.
Let’s start the fresh year together with energy, wisdom, and growth! Wishing you all a wonderful and prosperous year ahead!
