My View – February 2025

IT’S ALWAYS FUN TO CELEBRATE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR, so once again, I invite you to join our friends at SOCCA, the Southern Oregon Chinese Cultural Association, for Lunar New Year in Jacksonville. This year is The Year of the Snake, and the festivities happen the day after Valentine’s Day, on February 15, from 10am-3pm, at New City Hall. The daylong cultural event is a longstanding tradition, now in its 13th year—presented by an all-volunteer organization that has once again curated a wonderful lineup of speakers, presentations, demonstrations and more! Please see more on this on pages 2 and 5 .

“Snakes” are multifaceted humans and possess many positive traits. If your birth year was 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 or 2025, you were born in the Chinese zodiac Year of the Snake—and legend says you are likely intelligent and wise, for starters. Snakes are not only known for having sharp minds and analytical brains, but they’re also quick thinkers and able to solve complex problems easily.

Additionally, Snakes are considered to be charming, mysterious, intuitive and perceptive beings. Many of them have a magnetic personality with a sense of style and composure that makes them quite attractive to others. Most are determined individuals and often set clear goals for themselves—they like to succeed and are willing to put in the effort to achieve their dreams. On the other hand, Snakes may be careful souls and are strategic, and think before they act, plotting and planning their steps in advance. They are cautious, preferring to avoid risks whenever possible.

What’s more, Snakes are also independent individuals who don’t join or follow the crowd…they can be somewhat private folks and are often reserved in nature—they cherish their privacy! Notably, if you were born a Snake, Chinese zodiac beliefs paint you as an elegant and refined person with grace, style and a love for the aesthetic. Finally, although you may be a bit of a perfectionist, you are sensitive and emotional, despite that cool exterior of yours!

No matter which of the 12 Chinese Zodiac signs you were born under, I encourage you to join the community in celebrating the Lunar New Year in our Small Town with Big Atmosphere!