WHAT springs to mind when you think of the connotations of a snake?
Sly? Deceitful? Temptation? Evil?
The symbolic meaning of snakes varies in different cultures. So while Christian beliefs place the slithering one as the servant of Satan, Chinese astrology has a much more optimistic view of the creature that symbolises Chinese New Year 2013.
Albert Square and Chinatown will be filled with street markets, food stalls and arts and crafts workshops from 11am.
According to Chinese culture website HanBan.com, ‘The Snake is the sixth sign of the Chinese Zodiac, which consists of 12 animal signs. This 2013 year of the snake is meant for steady progress and attention to detail. It is the enigmatic, intuitive, introspective, refined and collected of the animal signs. Ancient Chinese wisdom says a snake in the house is a good omen because it means that your family will not starve.’
Year of the SnakeFor those born in 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 and 2013, you can read more about your snake traits here.
As well as snakes, traditional lanterns, parading dragons and dancing lions will transform many parts of the country this weekend, including Manchester.
Thousands of people are expected to take to the streets of the city centre with special events on Sunday, 10 February and Friday, 15 February.
The Federation of Chinese Associations of Manchester (FCAM), in association with Manchester City Council and other sponsors, have organised the new year events, including the annual street parade and festival.
Mr Stewart Yip, President of the Federation, said: "This year being the Year of the Snake, which is thought to be the origin of our deities, a lot of planning and preparations and efforts have been made to make this year's celebration a day full of fun and excitement at Chinatown and Albert Square.
Albert Square and Chinatown will be filled with street markets, food stalls and arts and crafts workshops from 11am – as well as a fairground and traditional Chinese arts such as calligraphy, origami, tangrams and other games to immerse the whole family in Chinese culture.
The Master Chu Dragon Parade and Lion Dances – including a 175ft Chinese Dragon – will once again make their colourful journey from Manchester Town Hall to China Town at 1pm – before entertaining the crowds with performances throughout the afternoon at each location and culminating with a tremendous 15 minute firework display at 6pm in Chinatown. The street celebrations are all free to the public.
Celebrations will continue the following, Friday 15 February, with an impressive live show at Manchester Central that will include Chinese performing arts troupe – the National Art and Dance Troupe – wowing the crowds with an array of traditional Chinese arts, acrobatics, folk songs, dancing and magic.
Tickets are available for the show through the Chi Yip Group on 0161 655 3600 and Chinese restaurants and supermarkets in China Town – priced between £10 and £15.
Cllr Pat Karney, Manchester City Council’s City Centre Spokesperson, said: "The Chinese community have helped shape the very fabric of Manchester and are incredibly important to the heritage of the city, playing a large part in Manchester’s history – so it is always great to see the culture being celebrated as a public festival for everyone to enjoy.”
