On the night of February 9, the small town of Xitang in Zhejiang province prepared to ignite along with the rest of the country. Children engaged in all kinds of activities to quell their impatience; teenagers ran through the narrow streets carrying heavy bags filled with highly flammable materials; women, absorbed in the kitchens for hours, stacked pots and pans; men passed the time playing Shuangkou with cards or visiting relatives. It was the eve of the Chinese New Year and anticipation was felt in every corner.
Chinese Snake Poison: Tradition and Challenges of the 2013 New Year
The Year of the Dragon, the most revered of all the animals in the Shēngxiào (Chinese zodiac), gave way to the Year of the Snake, known as the hidden and cunning dragon. Although in recent times the snake has been belittled in popular wisdom, it was once strongly linked to the emergence of Chinese civilization. Its symbolism is deep and complex, reflecting both wisdom and mystery.
The Mythical Origins: Fu Xi and Nü Wa
According to the rich Taoist mythology, in the beginning of time, before the first dynasty, the Xià, took the reins of the nascent empire and the history keeper started from zero, in the mist of civilization, a caste of superhumans laid the foundations of what would become modern China.
The Three August Ones and the Five Emperors were venerable sages with semi-divine status who taught the inhabitants of the plains and basins of the Yangtze and the Yellow River how to fish, make fire, write, build shelters, marry, heal themselves using the tools of their environment and regulate the embryonic life in society.
Two of the Three August Ones, Fu Xi and his sister and wife Nü Wa, had serpent tails and humanoid bodies. They created the human race from clay dolls, giving them life with their divine powers and ruled over them for two hundred years. Thus, the snake was deeply connected to Chinese mythology, much like the serpent in Christian tradition, tempting Eve to eat the forbidden fruit.
Fiery Celebrations: Fire Snakes
When the clock hands struck midnight, fire snakes soared through the air. Crowds of people turned into dancing snakes, running through the streets, shouting and laughing, while launching firecrackers that exploded with a roar. Everything burned in shades of red, orange and yellow, staining the canal waters and the snow resting on the rooftops with a bright scarlet hue. Markets also burst with life and color, reflecting the effervescence of the festivities.
During the Chinese New Year, money circulation increased by approximately 20%, necessary to cover the festivities and fill the hongbaos, red envelopes filled with money that were given as gifts during these dates. Luxury brands—watches, cars, clothing, wines, shoes—traditionally saw their sales increase by between 10% and 20% compared to a normal month. It was a time of abundance and generosity, where consumption reflected both tradition and prosperity.
The Economic Hangover: Inflation and Challenges
However, when the firecrackers ceased to roar, train stations, bus terminals and airports returned to their usual state of regulated chaos. Supermarket aisles were no longer invaded by products rushing into shopping carts and avenues were once again filled with umbrellas, horns and amber lights. Inflation emerged as an annoying hangover after the celebration.
In January 2013, prices had increased by 2% compared to the previous year and food prices by 2.9%. This moderate inflation, despite the harmful effects of an unusually cold winter on food production, was largely explained by the fact that the CPI measurements in 2012 were distorted by coinciding with the Lunar New Year, a phenomenon known in economic jargon as the “base effect”.
Regulatory entities were uneasy. A 2% inflation rate in January, while awaiting the data that the festive February would bring, was not a bad figure in itself. However, forecasts indicated that the economy would heat up as economic indicators rebounded. It was expected that in February, inflation would reach 2.7%, initiating a climb that could culminate by the end of the year around 4%.
Economic Dilemmas: Growth vs. Stability
Some economic analysts advocated for the implementation of credit restrictions as a measure to alleviate inflationary pressure, acting as an antidote against festive excesses. However, this was a double-edged sword, as it could hinder the growth of an economy lacking sufficient stimuli. Inflation is a trigger for social tensions, a risk the government was unwilling to take.
Leaders faced this dilemma each year since the economy began to wobble due to weak external demand and falling investment, especially in the real estate sector. It was the “snake’s poison”, a metaphor for the economic challenges that followed the celebrations.
Final Reflections: Tradition and Modernity
The Year of the Snake represented both an ancestral legacy and a contemporary challenge. While in ancient times the snake symbolized wisdom and creation, in modernity it was associated with uncertainty and economic caution. The duality of the snake reflected China’s very essence, a country in constant tension between tradition and modernity, growth and stability.
Despite the challenges, the New Year celebrations continued to be a fundamental pillar in Chinese culture, a time to gather with family, honor ancestors and look to the future with hope. The snake, with its wisdom and cunning, remained a powerful symbol, reminding everyone of the importance of adapting and persevering.
Information from the newspaper Huffington Post
