Well, the Chinese New Year just past, and it is now the year of the snake according to the Chinese Lunar Calendar. And this is a time when Chinese people exchange greetings and well wishes for the new year. Here are some common greetings that you might find useful to share with your Chinese friends:
General Good Wishes
- 蛇年大吉 (Shé nián dà jí) – Wishing you great luck in the Year of the Snake!
- 蛇年行大运 (Shé nián xíng dà yùn) – May you have great fortune in the Year of the Snake!
- 金蛇狂舞，福满人间 (Jīn shé kuáng wǔ, fú mǎn rén jiān) – The golden snake dances wildly, bringing blessings everywhere!
- 蛇年如意，万事顺心 (Shé nián rú yì, wàn shì shùn xīn) – May everything go as you wish in the Year of the Snake!
Prosperity and Wealth Wishes
- 金蛇献瑞，财源滚滚 (Jīn shé xiàn ruì, cáiyuán gǔn gǔn) – The golden snake brings good fortune, and wealth flows in abundance!
- 蛇腾四海，财运亨通 (Shé téng sì hǎi, cáiyùn hēngtōng) – May the snake soar across the seas and bring you smooth financial luck!
- 蛇来运转，财源广进 (Shé lái yùn zhuǎn, cáiyuán guǎng jìn) – With the arrival of the snake, fortune turns in your favor, and wealth pours in!
Health and Happiness Wishes
- 蛇年吉祥，身体健康 (Shé nián jíxiáng, shēntǐ jiànkāng) – Wishing you good health and happiness in the Year of the Snake!
- 金蛇盘玉树，家业永昌盛 (Jīn shé pán yù shù, jiā yè yǒng chāng shèng) – The golden snake coils around the jade tree, symbolizing everlasting family prosperity!
- 蛇年安康，笑口常开 (Shé nián ānkāng, xiào kǒu cháng kāi) – Wishing you peace, health, and endless smiles in the Year of the Snake!
Success and Career Wishes
- 金蛇起舞，事业腾飞 (Jīn shé qǐ wǔ, shìyè téng fēi) – The golden snake dances, and your career takes off!
- 蛇年步步高升 (Shé nián bù bù gāo shēng) – Wishing you step-by-step success in the Year of the Snake!
- 金蛇出洞，鹏程万里 (Jīn shé chū dòng, péng chéng wàn lǐ) – The golden snake emerges from its cave, bringing you boundless success!
The Significance of the Snake in Chinese Astrology
In Chinese culture, the Snake (蛇, shé) symbolizes wisdom, intuition, and transformation. It is often associated with mystery, intelligence, and strategic thinking. People born in the Year of the Snake are believed to be resourceful, charming, and determined, with a deep sense of intuition. The snake also represents rebirth and renewal, much like how it sheds its skin, making it a symbol of personal growth and adaptability. In a broader sense, the snake is linked to hidden potential, patience, and the ability to navigate challenges with grace and precision. Want to hear me speak Chinese? (this is from 5 years ago. I am better now). 🙂