MOOSE JAW — Some people perceive the snake as a dangerous reptile to avoid, but it holds special importance in Chinese culture since it symbolizes wisdom and transformation and offers opportunities for growth and change.
The slithering snake is the sixth creature in the 12-animal Chinese zodiac cycle, and according to Chinese mythology, the order of the animals was decided by a great race that the Jade Emperor hosted. The snake, clever and strategic, coiled around the horse’s hoof and finished the race ahead of the horse and claimed sixth place.
Unlike the bold and outgoing dragon — its year was 2024 — the snake represents calmness and introspection. These traits are seen as essential for guiding one’s life with wisdom and grace.
Furthermore, snakes are known in the zodiac for their wisdom, intuition, and mystery. Naturally strategic, they are excellent problem-solvers and skilled communicators. To protect themselves from bad luck this year, those born in the Year of the Snake should wear red throughout 2025. Red underwear, socks, or accessories are thought to ward off misfortune.
Though this zodiac year may bring challenges, these obstacles often lead to greater wisdom and personal growth for snakes.
During the past century, the Year of the Snake was 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 and now 2025.
The Moose Jaw Chinese Community Network (MJCCN) is the original group that has supported this ethnic community for roughly 140 years. Its goal is to promote culture, assist newcomers with integration, help its members and provide social opportunities to unite young and old ethnic Chinese.
This year’s Chinese New Year falls on Tuesday, Jan. 28, but the network is holding its eight-course banquet on Monday, Jan. 27 at Jade Garden Restaurant. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., the program starts at 5:30 p.m., and dinner begins at 6 p.m. There will be prize draws, while MJCCN members will receive a red envelope with money.
Tickets are $50 and residents can purchase them from Jade Garden (306-694-5566), the Delight Café and Wok (306-692-1889) or by emailing [email protected]. The deadline to purchase is Monday, Jan. 20.
“I’m very excited (for the banquet),” Kelvin Hu, president of the MJCCN, said.
Carrying on this tradition is important because it allows the network to invite Chinese residents from around the community and gives older adults the opportunity to catch up with friends since some may not often see each other, he continued.
Meanwhile, the MJCCN has two new features for this year’s banquet: it is inviting a local musician to perform several songs and is bringing back the exciting Lion Dance. Hu noted that the Calgary-based consul general of the People’s Republic of China provided the network with two costumes last year.
“We have recruited two young people who will … be performing the Lion Dance as part of the celebration for us, so that is another very exciting thing for me,” he said, noting that the previous costume was in bad shape and could no longer be used.
While the consul general provided two costumes, the network will use only one because Jade Garden is usually jam-packed with people and space is limited, Hu continued.
Hu added that people like this banquet because of the authentic ethnic cuisine and the conversations they can have with friends and strangers.
This year, the dishes include Foo Yong crab meat and fish maw soup, signature crispy fried chicken, honey-glazed roasted ribs, crispy roasted duck, cheese cream jumbo shrimp E-Fu noodles, sweet and sour pork belly, sautéed fish fillets with cashews and honey beans, braised bok choy with mushrooms, black truffle fried rice, homemade cheesecake and seasonal fresh fruit platter.
