Welcome to the Year of the Snake 🐍
A time for transformation and new beginnings.
Dear Adventurers,
One of the many benefits of embracing a multi-cultural identity is that we get to celebrate so many more festivals throughout the year. And of course, the most important one in East Asian culture is the Lunar New Year.
This year we celebrate the Year of the Snake. In Chinese culture, the Snake is a symbol of wisdom, transformation, and rebirth, much like how real snakes shed their skin. Historically, the Snake has been linked to spirituality and power, often associated with deities and emperors. In Daoism, the Snake is seen as a mystical creature that embodies hidden knowledge and transformation. People born in the Year of the Snake are said to be wise, mysterious, intuitive, and strategic, often possessing a deep, analytical mind.
The origins of the Chinese zodiac date back to ancient China, with myths explaining how the twelve animals were chosen. According to legend, the Jade Emperor held a race to determine the zodiac order, and the Snake, known for its cunning, hid on the Horse’s hoof. Just before reaching the finish line, the Snake surprised the Horse and slithered ahead, securing its place as the sixth zodiac animal.
2025 is the Year of the Wood Snake, bringing a focus on growth, renewal, and wisdom—a time to embrace transformation and long-term planning. If you’re interested in what this year has in store for your Chinese zodiac sign, check out this article here.
To me, the Snake is a reminder that there’s always more than one path to success. The key is to play to your own strengths rather than getting caught up in the advantages others seem to have. We all have a unique superpower—it’s just a matter of recognising it and learning how to harness it.
For me, that superpower is dreaming up adventures and finding ways to bring them to life! As we step into the Year of the Snake, I hope you tap into your own inner strengths and share your gifts with the world.
What’s your superpower and your aspiration for the new year? I’d love to hear from you!
A few recommendations for further reading
Some of you have asked for book and other resource recommendations related to the Georgia Lee Adventure Series. I’ve always written the Georgia Lee Adventure Series with the hope of sparking curiosity about little-known histories and cultures, especially from an Eastern perspective. Through Georgia’s adventures, I aim to shed light on stories that have often been overlooked or told through a Western lens. If you’ve enjoyed the historical and cultural elements woven into the series, I hope the list below inspires you to dive deeper into these fascinating Asian cultures and uncover even more hidden stories.
If you have a list of your own, I’d love to hear about it!
🌏 Exploring Taipei's National Palace Museum by Smithsonian Magazine - An article discussing the museum's history and architectural features.
📖 Among the Head-Hunters of Formosa by Janet B. Montgomery McGovern - A rare firsthand account of Taiwan’s indigenous headhunting tribes in the early 20th century, offering a fascinating glimpse into their customs, rituals, and way of life.
📖 The Three Kingdoms – Guanzhong Luo
One of China’s greatest historical epics, this classic novel brings to life the legendary battles, political intrigue, and heroic figures of the Three Kingdoms period.
📽 Inside: The Emperor’s Treasure - National Geographic Documentary
📽️ Invisible Nation (IMDB link) – A powerful documentary that delves into Taiwan’s complex identity, political struggles, and global standing, offering an intimate look at the island’s fight for recognition on the world stage.
📖 Genghis Khan: Life, Death, and Resurrection – John Man
A thrilling blend of history and mystery, this book not only chronicles Genghis Khan’s life and conquests but also delves into the fascinating search for his lost tomb.
📖 Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World – Jack Weatherford
This gripping history reveals how the Mongols revolutionized warfare, trade, and culture, shaping the modern world in ways few recognize.
📖 The Secret History of the Mongol Queens – Jack Weatherford
A fascinating look at the powerful and overlooked Mongol women who played crucial roles in governing the empire after Genghis Khan’s death.
📖 Freedom at Midnight – Larry Collins & Dominique Lapierre
A riveting account of India’s independence and partition, capturing the drama, tragedy, and triumph of one of the most pivotal moments in history.
📽 The Story of India – Michael Wood (Watch Here)
A beautifully narrated 6-part documentary series exploring India’s deep and diverse history, from ancient civilizations to modern times.
📽 Expedition Unknown: India’s Atlantis (S4, E19) – Discovery Channel (IMDB Link)
An intriguing investigation into the legend of India’s lost city of Dwarka, believed by some to be the real-life Atlantis.
📖 Nine Lives: In Search of the Sacred in Modern India – William Dalrymple
A mesmerizing journey through India’s spiritual landscape, following the lives of nine extraordinary individuals devoted to different faith traditions.
📖 The Anarchy: The Relentless Rise of the East India Company – William Dalrymple
A masterfully told history of how a private trading company conquered and ruled India, shaping the world’s first corporate empire.
📖 Koh-i-Noor: The History of the World's Most Infamous Diamond – William Dalrymple & Anita Anand
A gripping tale of the legendary Koh-i-Noor diamond, tracing its turbulent history of war, betrayal, and imperial conquest.
📖 India: A History – John Keay
A sweeping and accessible overview of India’s vast and complex history, from its ancient origins to its modern emergence.
📖 The World’s Richest Temple – Sasibhooshan MG
An insightful exploration of the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, home to unimaginable treasures and shrouded in mystery.
🌏 The Secret of the Temple – Jake Halpern
An intriguing exploration of the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple and the vast, hidden treasures within, this article uncovers the mysteries and legends surrounding one of the world’s richest temples.
📖 The Indus: Lost Civilizations – Andrew Robinson
A fascinating look at the Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world’s earliest and most enigmatic ancient cultures.
🌏 Harappa.com
A treasure trove of resources on the Indus Valley Civilization, featuring research articles, maps, and archaeological insights.
Until next month,
A. H. Wang
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