The year 2025 is the Year of the Snake, one of the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac. The Snake is the sixth animal in the zodiac cycle, and beyond simply representing a specific year, it carries deep meanings and traditions rooted in ancient beliefs.
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Traditionally Japanese believe that Toshigami-sama (New Year’s deity) descends in the first month of the year and visits their home and leaves good luck for their coming year. They decorate home with traditional ornaments to welcome Toshigamisama. These are Kadomatsu (門松, New Year’s pine and bamboo decorations), shimekazari (しめ飾り, Sacred straw festoon) and Kagamimochi (鏡餅, Round mirror-shaped rice cakes).
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