There are a total of 12 animal signs in the Chinese calendar based on five cycles of 12 years each, with each cycle tempered by one of the five Chinese elements of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth. According to Chinese astrology and belief, the traits of these zodiac animals not only shape the personalities of people born under the respective sign but also their lives and the events of the year. Apart from the Snake, the other Chinese zodiac animals are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

The capable, inquisitive and determined Snake, sixth in the Zodiac Cycle starts off yet another New Year on the Chinese zodiac calendar in 2025. Two graphical illustrations of this capable Snake ushering in the new Lunar Year 2025 are shown in this set of stamps of 1st Local and $2.