KOREAN CULTURE: Happy New Year of the Black Snake!

Image from Korea Association of Health Promotion

Tomorrow (February 10) is Korean New Year's Day (Seollal) that marks the first day of the lunar calendar that follows the cycles of the moon.  The year 2013 is the year of the "Black" Snake that comes once every 60 years and therefore the latest Black Snake Year was the year 1953.  In Western cultures, snakes are deemed evil by Christianity and in many other cultures, they are also considered ominous probably because they slither around on their bellies, some of them are venomous, and most of them look creepy, gross, scary, and disgusting to many of us.

At the same time, however, snakes are considered to be auspicious.  Firstly, they symbolize rejuvenation, revival, and eternal life/immortality as they slough their skins regularly and hibernate every winter but always wake up next spring.  Secondly, they represent prosperity and wealth as they can lay as many as 30+ eggs. 

I hope every one of you has a great year of rejuvenation, revival, and prosperity in the year of the Black Snake!!!!

Related Post: Saehae Bok Mani Badeuseyo!

Share this post