新年快乐CHINESE NEW YEAR 2025

THE WOOD SNAKE YEAR: A SEASON OF WISDOM, RENEWAL, AND GROWTH

THE WOOD SNAKE YEAR: A SEASON OF WISDOM, RENEWAL, AND GROWTH

The Year of the Wood Snake ushers in a period of profound transformation, introspection, and purposeful change. Unlike the bold and extroverted Dragon, the Snake embodies qualities of calm, wisdom, and quiet adaptability, guiding individuals toward navigating life with grace, insight, and discernment. This year, the Snake represents wisdom, while the Wood element enhances creativity and growth—creating the perfect opportunity for personal and professional development, particularly in the areas of self-reflection and strategic decision-making.

The nature of the Snake encourages patience and contemplation. Instead of hasty decisions, the Year of the Wood Snake advocates for thoughtful planning and intuitive choices, embracing the flexibility offered by the Wood element. The harmonious balance between the Snake's wisdom and Wood's nurturing energy fosters a sustainable and profound approach to change, promoting growth that is both intentional and lasting.

Honour the God of Fortune

It is a long-standing tradition to honour Caishen, the God of Fortune, during Chinese New Year to ensure a prosperous year ahead. Offerings of incense, fresh fruits such as oranges (symbolizing wealth), and traditional Chinese treats are commonly presented to seek his blessings. Paying respects to Caishen is believed to clear obstacles and attract good fortune.

Join us in the online worship of Caishen—simply select treats below and press to pray for fortune.

Chicken

Oranges

Eggs

Noodle

Steamed buns

CHINESE NEW YEAR

Celebrate Wisdom and Prosperity at ONESIAM’s Chinese New Year 2025

ONESIAM invites you to a grand Chinese New Year celebration across six destinations, blending vibrant traditions, cultural showcases and exclusive promotions in honour of the Year of the Snake.

ONESIAM ushers in the Year of the Snake with “A Prosperous Chinese New Year 2025,” a dazzling celebration that invites everyone to experience the ultimate shop-pray-feast mega-event across six iconic destinations in Bangkok. Running through February 2, 2025, this vibrant festival promises to transform the city with a kaleidoscope of traditions, performances, and special events.

The Year of the Snake symbolises wisdom, transformation, and prosperity, making this Chinese New Year especially significant. Deeply rooted in Thai-Chinese heritage, the celebration unites communities in a colourful showcase of traditions and cultural harmony. From honouring ancestors and partaking in auspicious rituals to enjoying festive feasts and breathtaking performances, the festivities reflect the strong bond between Thai and Chinese cultures.

Adding to the grandeur, 2025 also marks the 50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations, making this year’s celebration even more meaningful. ONESIAM, the leading global destinations, commemorate this milestone with an extraordinary cultural and shopping experience at Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, ICONSIAM, ICS, and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, as well as through the ONESIAM SuperApp.

A Chinese New Year Celebration Like No Other

ONESIAM’s Chinese New Year festivities span a wide range of themes and activities. Visitors can immerse themselves in Chinese cultural heritage, enjoy breathtaking performances, and partake in luck-enhancing rituals. Here’s what to expect at each ONESIAM destination:

Highlights of Chinese New Year Celebrations Across Six Destinations

Siam Paragon

Step into a cultural haven inspired by the cultural heritage of Dunhuang, an oasis of the Gobi desert and the thriving hub of the ancient Silk Road from January 28 to February 2, 2025.

  • Exclusive Performance: Thailand’s debut of the Ancient Sound of Dunhuang, a dance inspired by ancient cave murals along with traditional Chinese musical instrument performance such as pippa, by China’s Gansu Performing Arts Group.
  • Mogao Cave Digital Art Display: Explore captivating digital visuals of Buddhist sculptures, murals from the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Dunhuang and the recreation of iconic Crescent Lake.
  • Grand Spectacles Witness the Pearl of the Moon show, blending Cloud Dragon, Fiery Phoenix and Celestial Lion performances, plus and Eng Gor martial arts choreography.
  • Charity Fortune-Telling Event: Gain insights into your future with 38 renowned fortune tellers at the “Siriwattana Fortune Telling for the Disabled” at Living Hall, January 28 – February 3.

Siam Center

Celebrate with a fresh and contemporary twist at “The Prosperous Chinese New Year 2025”, January 15 – February 2, 2025.

  • Southeast Asian Debut: TOYZEROPLUS World introduces beloved characters in Chinese New Year theme.
  • Unique Collectibles: Create your own action figure at SIAM CENTER x MEMORI STUDIO.
  • Pop-Up Space: Discover exclusive art toys, merchandise, and curated Chinese New Year collections.

Siam Discovery

From January 9 to February 2, 2025, embrace the theme “Celebrating the Love of Discovery” with unique gifts and luxury promotions.

  • Exclusive Offers: ONESIAM members can redeem discounts from leading brands using just 25 COINS on the ONESIAM SuperApp.

ICONSIAM

Celebrate Thai-Chinese cultural heritage with ICONSIAM Eternal Prosperity Chinese New Year 2025, January 24 – February 2, 2025.

  • Exclusive Sculptures: View works by Chinese sculptor Xu Hong Fei and Thailand’s Professor Emeritus Preecha Thaothong.
  • Auspicious Ceremonies: Pay homage to the goddess Doumu and the 60 Tai Sui deities from China’s Renwei Temple.
  • Signature Event: Participate in blessings with Master Khatha Chinbanchorn at the Dragon’s Curve.
  • Little China Riverside Street: Enjoy Michelin-recommended dining, shopping, and entertainment along the Chao Phraya River.

Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok

Celebrate with up to 70% discounts on top brands and exciting weekend giveaways through February 28, 2025.

Exclusive ONESIAM SuperApp Privileges

Maximise your shopping experience with the ONESIAM SuperApp, offering rewards of up to 2,500 ONESIAM COINS for purchases at Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, and ICONSIAM.

Celebrate Prosperity and Good Fortune

As the Year of the Snake unfolds, the Chinese New Year 2025 celebrations in Thailand offer an unforgettable blend of tradition, culture, and modernity, highlighting the nation’s unique ability to honor its heritage while embracing new experiences. This year’s festivities hold even greater significance as Thailand celebrates the 50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations, strengthening bonds between the two cultures through grand ceremonies, mesmerizing performances, and vibrant community gatherings. Whether seeking blessings for prosperity, enjoying festive feasts, or exploring dazzling cultural showcases, the Chinese New Year in Thailand promises an enriching experience for all. As the festivities conclude, they leave behind cherished memories and renewed hopes for wisdom, transformation, and success in the year ahead.

Join ONESIAM in celebrating “A Prosperous Chinese New Year 2025” with vibrant performances, cultural showcases, and exclusive promotions. Whether you’re shopping for luxury items, exploring ancient traditions, or savoring delicious cuisine, this celebration promises unforgettable experiences for all.

For more details, follow ONESIAM’s official Facebook pages: ONESIAM, Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, and ICONSIAM.

Let ONESIAM be your destination for joy, prosperity, and unforgettable memories this Chinese New Year!

A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH TO CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS

Holidays invariably centre round food – an undeniable truth. Consumption rates have reached extravagant levels. For example, in 2022, Singapore discarded a staggering 813,000 tonnes of food, as reported by the National Environment Agency (NEA). During the Chinese New Year, food waste surges by up to 20 percent in the country. However, a straightforward solution exist: consume less and sustainably.

Here are practical ways to tackle food waste during the celebrations:

  • Mindful Meal Planning: Plan meals thoughtfully, considering guest numbers and preferences to avoid over-purchasing. Create a menu that maximises ingredient use, reducing leftovers.
  • Smaller Portions and Buffet Style: Serve smaller portions and opt for a buffet-style setup to minimise uneaten food.
  • Creative Leftover Recipes: Transform leftovers into new dishes like stir-fries or soups to minimise waste and add fresh twists.
  • Promoting a sharing culture: Encouraging guests to bring reusable containers, fostering community and generosity. Opting for reusable packaging when sending guests home with leftovers to reduce reliance on disposable packaging.
  • Composting Practices: Establish a composting system for organic waste, aligning with the Wood Dragon’s emphasis on growth.
  • Donate Excess Food: Partner with local charities to donate surplus food, supporting those in need.
  • Technology for Monitoring: Use apps and smart tools to track food inventory and expiration dates, preventing unnecessary waste.

Approaching Chinese New Year with a commitment to reducing food waste aligns with the Year of the Wood Snake’s emphasis on change and adaptability. By collectively embracing sustainable practices, celebrations can be both joyous and environmentally responsible.

ADDRESSING AIR POLLUTION DURING CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS

The Chinese New Year celebrations, while fostering community spirit, also pose an environmental challenge – PM2.5 pollution, mainly from fireworks and burning paper and incense sticks. To mitigate this impact, individuals and communities can adopt effective measures:

  • Public Awareness Campaigns: Implement public awareness campaigns to educate people about the environmental consequences of traditional fireworks, enabling informed choices and collective carbon footprint reduction.
  • Support eco-friendly fireworks to minimise pollutants: Opting for community firework displays for better environmental control. Explore alternatives like lantern festivals and cultural performances to celebrate without fireworks.
  • Opting for e-Ang Paos: To be environmentally conscious during the Lunar New Year, consider greening your red packets by reusing them from the previous year or opting for e-Ang Paos. For those discarded or leftover red packets, explore eco-friendly alternatives such as custom-made options from recycled or FSC paper.
  • Avoid burning paper, incense and firecracker: Prevent environmental harm by refraining from burning paper, incense and firecracker.
  • Green Initiatives: Encourage green initiatives like tree planting, community clean-ups, or supporting local environmental organisations to offset the environmental impact.
  • Technology Solutions: Explore technological advancements like low-emission pyrotechnics or LED displays as visually stunning, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional fireworks.
  • Give your old stuff a new life: Turn your unwanted items into treasures for others by exploring donation, free giveaways, selling, or recycling options. Your effort can have a positive impact on the planet and benefit less fortunate communities.

Addressing air pollution during the Chinese New Year requires collective efforts. Embracing eco-friendly alternatives, fostering awareness, and supporting regulations strike a balance between cultural traditions and safeguarding the environment for future generations.

CHINESE NEW YEAR: WILL THE TRADITION ENDURE?

Challenging economic conditions cast a shadow over the upcoming Chinese New Year as Generation Z approaches the first post-pandemic Spring Festival. The prolonged three-year pandemic has notably shifted the perspectives of many young individuals, altering their approach to the traditional celebrations of the Spring Festival.

For this generation, the festivities are no longer solely about donning new clothes or receiving “lucky” money packets as they did in childhood; instead, they explore various alternative forms of entertainment. Nonetheless, this evolution does not signal the demise of tradition. Quite the opposite, Generation Z exhibits a fervour for tradition, expressing it in diverse ways, even prompting some to venture abroad to experience the age-old festival in their unique manner.

The Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration, deeply rooted in tradition and cultural significance, has undergone transformations influenced by changing generations and economic dynamics. The question arises: how long can the CNY maintain its essence amidst these shifts?

Generational changes play a pivotal role in reshaping the way the Chinese New Year is celebrated. Younger generations, influenced by modern lifestyles and global connectivity, may approach traditions differently. The emphasis on family reunions and traditional customs may face adaptation, but the core values of unity and respect remain intact.

Economic factors also contribute to the evolution of CNY celebrations. As societies prosper, the dynamics of gift-giving, feasts, and travel during the festive season undergo alterations. Economic prosperity may enhance the grandeur of celebrations, but it could also lead to commercialisation, diluting the authenticity of the occasion.

Despite these transformations, the myth and cultural significance of the Chinese New Year continue to endure. The symbolic rituals, such as the lion dance, red envelopes, and festive feasts, carry a timeless charm. The mythological stories embedded in the celebration, like the Nian monster and the zodiac animals, persist as integral parts of Chinese cultural heritage.

In essence, while the manifestation of Chinese New Year may evolve with time and economic shifts, the underlying values and myths that define the celebration appear resilient. The CNY’s ability to adapt without losing its cultural richness ensures that it remains a vibrant and cherished tradition for generations to come.

      1.Promotion of Peace and Goodwill
      The positive energy and well-wishing that accompany Chinese New Year create an atmosphere of peace and goodwill. Regardless of cultural or linguistic differences, people around the world join in the collective hope for prosperity, good health, and happiness, fostering a shared aspiration for a better future.
      2.Inclusive Traditions
      Chinese New Year celebrations are inclusive, welcoming people of all backgrounds to participate in the festivities. This inclusivity promotes a sense of belonging and acceptance, fostering connections that go beyond national or cultural borders.
      3.Festival of Lights
      The vibrant colours and lights associated with Chinese New Year symbolise the triumph of light over darkness. This visual spectacle resonates globally, serving as a metaphor for the collective pursuit of positivity and enlightenment across the world.
      4.Global Economic Impact
      The festive season generates economic activity not only in China but also globally, as businesses around the world tap into the enthusiasm surrounding Chinese New Year. This economic interdependence further strengthens the ties between nations and cultures.
      5.Digital Connectivity
      In the digital age, Chinese New Year celebrations are shared globally through social media, allowing people from different corners of the world to witness and participate in the festivities virtually. This digital connectivity fosters a sense of a global community celebrating together.

Chinese New Year stands as a testament to the power of cultural celebrations in fostering global harmony. As people from diverse backgrounds come together to celebrate shared values, the festival serves as a reminder of our common humanity and the potential for unity in diversity.

CHINESE NEW YEAR: A CELEBRATION THAT FOSTERS UNITY, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Chinese New Year traditions, spanning concerts, lion dances, and forums, create a global festive vibe in commercial hubs. From major events to local contributions, like pre-New Year concerts in communities such as the Chinese-American one in Los Angeles, these celebrations showcase inclusivity. The Spring Festival’s reach goes beyond cultural boundaries, fostering global harmony through tradition, symbolism, and family values. It unifies people worldwide in a spirit of festivity.

      1. Cultural Exchange
      Chinese New Year provides a unique opportunity for cultural exchange, as people from various backgrounds engage in the traditions and customs associated with the festival. This intermingling of cultures fosters understanding and appreciation, creating connections that go beyond borders.
      2. Symbolism of Unity
      The symbolic elements of the Chinese New Year, such as the reunion dinner and the giving of red envelopes, emphasise the importance of family and unity. These universal values resonate with people globally, promoting a sense of togetherness that transcends cultural differences.
      3. Shared Festivities Across Borders
      In many parts of the world, Chinese New Year is celebrated with enthusiasm, even outside Chinese communities. Festivals, parades, and cultural events become shared experiences, allowing people of various backgrounds to participate in the joyous celebrations and strengthen their sense of global community.
      4. Promotion of Peace and Goodwill
      The positive energy and well-wishing that accompany Chinese New Year create an atmosphere of peace and goodwill. Regardless of cultural or linguistic differences, people around the world join in the collective hope for prosperity, good health, and happiness, fostering a shared aspiration for a better future.
      5. Inclusive Traditions
      Chinese New Year celebrations are inclusive, welcoming people of all backgrounds to participate in the festivities. This inclusivity promotes a sense of belonging and acceptance, fostering connections that go beyond national or cultural borders.
      6. Festival of Lights
      The vibrant colours and lights associated with Chinese New Year symbolise the triumph of light over darkness. This visual spectacle resonates globally, serving as a metaphor for the collective pursuit of positivity and enlightenment across the world.
      7. Global Economic Impact
      The festive season generates economic activity not only in China but also globally, as businesses around the world tap into the enthusiasm surrounding Chinese New Year. This economic interdependence further strengthens the ties between nations and cultures.
      8. Digital Connectivity
      In the digital age, Chinese New Year celebrations are shared globally through social media, allowing people from different corners of the world to witness and participate in the festivities virtually. This digital connectivity fosters a sense of a global community celebrating together.

Addressing air pollution during the Chinese New Year requires collective efforts. Embracing eco-friendly alternatives, fostering awareness, and supporting regulations strike a balance between cultural traditions and safeguarding the environment for future generations.

LUCKY PLANTS & THE 12 ZODIAC SIGNS IN 2025

Lucky plants are an important part of enhancing the energy in your home or workplace, especially for those born in the Year of the Wood Snake. These plants are believed to bring good fortune, prosperity, and positive energy into your life. If you're unsure which plant to choose, consider selecting one that aligns with your zodiac sign to maximize its beneficial effects.

PRESENTED BY

  • Bangkok Post