For the most part, snakes aren’t looked upon too fondly in the West. Things like the snake’s dealings with Adam in the Garden of Eden, phrases like “snake in the grass” and the misconception that snakes are slimy don’t help the snake’s public image.
It’s a lot different in eastern cultures. According to the Chinese zodiac, 2013 is the year of snake. Babies born in the “Year of the Snake” are said to be insightful and destined to enjoy good luck. Many Chinese mothers are elated when they give birth to a “snake baby.”
The Chinese zodiac is a rotating cycle of 12 years in which each year is represented by a specific animal and its characteristics. There are 12 animals in the cycle: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.
This year — 2013 — is the Year of the Snake. Anyone born in 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 or 2013 is thought to have the attributes assigned to snake babies. Common snake characteristics are wisdom, physical beauty, vanity, intensity and a quick temper.
This Saturday, there will be a special celebration in Philadelphia to welcome in the Year of the Snake when the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology hosts its 32nd Annual Chinese New Year Celebration from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
The popular annual event in Philadelphia will feature celebrations of Chinese culture and New Year traditions throughout the day with programs and activities for all ages, including children’s workshops, storytelling, cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts exhibitions, martial and healing arts demonstrations and dance performances by Minghui School Dance Team, MeiMei Dance Troupe and the Philadelphia Mulan Dance Troupe.
Activity will get underway at 11 a.m. with a Calligraphy Drop-in Workshop, a dance performance by MeiMei and a Feng Shui lecture. There will be a Chinese music demonstration at 11:30 a.m. followed by a Chinese culture presentation at noon, a Falun Gong presentation at 1 p.m. and a presentation of Chinese Fables at 1:30 p.m.
At 2 p.m., there will be a Ba’z Tai Chi demonstration and workshop and a dance performance by the Greater Philadelphia Minghui School followed by another Chinese music demonstration at 2:30 p.m. and a Kung Fu demonstration at 3:15 p.m.
The annual celebration will conclude, as always, with the “Lion Dance.” Lion dancers and drummers begin inside at 3:45 p.m. and, weather permitting, wind their way outside for a firecracker finale.
What: 32nd Annual Chinese New Year Celebration
When: Feb. 2, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, 33rd and Spruce streets, Philadelphia
Tickets: Adults, $10; senior citizens, $7; students, $6; children (under 6), free
Information: 215-898-4000 or www.penn.museum