Slithering into celebration: Chinese people embrace snakes as new zodiac symbol

Spring Festival is expected to inspire the country's designers, folk artists and cultural heritage inheritors to incorporate snake motifs into their creations.

Luo Huaqing, an inheritor of the paper-cutting tradition of the Mulam ethnic group, has been busy working on hundreds of snake-themed orders. Hailing from Luocheng Mulam autonomous county in Guangxi, the Mulam paper-cutting craft is known for its simplicity, rustic beauty and ethnic uniqueness.

However, the snake is not a traditional motif in Mulam paper-cutting. "Unlike dragons, phoenixes, pomegranates, or fish, snakes are generally not associated with auspicious meanings," Luo said.

To cater to modern tastes and customer demands, Luo has introduced innovative elements into her designs. She incorporates snake scales with patterns resembling gold coins and the Chinese character "Fu," which symbolizes good fortune and happiness.

"By integrating symbols of prosperity and good luck, these innovative snake-themed paper-cutting designs have gained significant popularity in the market during the New Year," Luo added.