Posted 29 January 2025

At McDonald and Tomlin Funerals, we understand the deep significance that different cultures place on life, death and the transition from one to the next. As we approach Chinese New Year 2025, which marks the beginning of the Year of the Wood Snake on January 29, it is a time not only for celebration but also for reflection on the cycles of life, the importance of honouring those who have passed, and the enduring connections we maintain with our ancestors.

In this blog, we explore the significance of the Wood Snake year and how its themes relate to death, remembrance, and funeral traditions. By understanding these cultural perspectives, we can better appreciate the universal nature of grief and commemoration, regardless of background or belief.

The Year of the Wood Snake: A Time of Deep Reflection
The Chinese zodiac operates on a 12-year cycle, with each year associated with an animal and one of the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water). The Snake is the sixth animal in the zodiac, and in 2025, it is paired with the element of wood.

Snakes in Chinese culture are symbolic of wisdom, transformation, and rebirth. Unlike the fear that some cultures associate with snakes, in Chinese tradition, they are seen as intelligent, intuitive creatures that shed their skin to renew themselves. The addition of the Wood element to the Snake in 2025 brings a sense of growth, longevity, and stability—qualities that encourage personal and spiritual evolution.

This theme of transformation resonates deeply with how we perceive life and death. Just as the snake sheds its old skin to embrace new beginnings, many cultures view death not as an end, but as a transition. Whether one believes in reincarnation, an afterlife, or the continuation of one’s legacy through memory and family, the Year of the Wood Snake is a time to consider the mark we leave on the world and how we honour those who came before us.

Chinese Traditions of Death and Ancestor Worship
Chinese culture places a profound emphasis on filial piety and respect for ancestors. Honour and duty toward one’s family extend beyond death, with elaborate rituals designed to ensure the spirits of the departed are at peace and continue to be part of the family’s life.

Some of the key funeral and mourning customs in Chinese traditions include:
1. Preparation and Funeral Rites – When a loved one passes, it is customary for the family to perform rituals to ensure a smooth transition to the afterlife. The body is prepared with care, often dressed in special clothing, and surrounded by offerings such as food, money (often in the form of paper joss money), and symbolic items that the deceased may need in the next world.

2. The Importance of Numbers and Timing – Chinese culture places great significance on auspicious dates and numbers. Funerals are often arranged based on the lunar calendar to ensure that the chosen day aligns with good fortune. Similarly, the number of days spent mourning varies based on the relationship to the deceased and family traditions.

3. Burning Offerings – Paper replicas of worldly possessions, such as houses, cars, and even mobile phones, are burned as offerings so that the deceased may have these comforts in the afterlife.

4. The Mourning Period and Ancestor Worship – Mourning rituals can last from 49 days to up to three years, depending on tradition. Even after this period, it is common for families to visit gravesites regularly, especially during Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day), when graves are cleaned and offerings are made to maintain a strong connection with ancestors.

The Relevance of the Wood Snake Year to Funerals and Mourning
The Year of the Wood Snake presents an opportunity to reflect on the way we remember and honour our loved ones. The themes of wisdom, introspection, and renewal encourage us to consider how we navigate grief and how we can maintain a meaningful connection with those we have lost.

1. Wisdom and Legacy – Just as the snake is associated with intelligence and wisdom, so too can we learn from the lives of those who have passed. Funerals and memorial services are a way to celebrate the lessons and values they left behind.

2. Transformation and Healing – Grief, much like the shedding of the snake’s skin, is a process of transformation. While we never forget those we have lost, we do find ways to continue living while carrying their memory forward. The Wood Snake reminds us that healing takes time and that renewal is part of life’s natural cycle.

3. The Importance of Rituals – Whether following Chinese funeral traditions or any other cultural or personal customs, rituals help provide comfort and structure during times of loss. Lighting incense, making offerings, or simply setting aside time to remember a loved one can all be acts of respect and love.

4. Growth and New Beginnings – The Wood element signifies growth and stability, reminding us that even in times of loss, life continues. This year encourages us to honour the past while embracing the future, ensuring that our loved ones remain with us in spirit as we move forward.

Incorporating Chinese Funeral Traditions in the UK
At McDonald and Tomlin Funerals, we recognise and respect the diverse customs that different communities hold dear. For those who wish to incorporate Chinese funeral traditions into their services, we offer guidance on cultural practices, including:

• Arranging services that align with auspicious dates and times.

• Providing options for traditional offerings.

• Creating memorial services that honour the legacy of the deceased through storytelling, music, and symbolic acts of remembrance.

• Supporting families in organising annual commemorations, such as Qingming Festival gatherings.

Whether you follow Chinese traditions, Western customs, or a blend of both, we are here to ensure that every funeral is a dignified and meaningful tribute.

A Time for Reflection and Remembrance
As we welcome the Year of the Wood Snake, let us take inspiration from its wisdom and transformative energy. It is a time to reflect on those we have lost, honour their legacy, and embrace the continual cycle of life and renewal.

At McDonald and Tomlin Funerals, we believe that every life deserves to be remembered with care and respect. Whether through a traditional funeral, a modern celebration of life, or quiet personal remembrance, what matters most is the love and honour we extend to those who have shaped our lives.

May this Chinese New Year bring you peace, wisdom, and the strength to cherish the memories of those who have passed. If you need support in planning a funeral or memorial, our compassionate team is always here to help.

Wishing you a reflective and meaningful Year of the Wood Snake.