What the Year of the Snake Means for Your Baby's Personality

If you’re expecting a baby in 2025, there is arguably no better Chinese zodiac sign to represent the transformation you and your baby are about to go through than the Snake. As you prepare to shed your current state to start an extraordinary new chapter (hello, parenthood), you may have spent time wondering what your baby’s personality will be like. And if your due date falls after Lunar New Year begins on Jan. 29, you'll welcome a baby Snake. 

In Chinese astrology, each year in the lunar calendar is represented by a different animal: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Boar. The cycle repeats itself every 12 years, and the year of your birth determines your zodiac sign. Each sign is also associated with one of the following five elements—Gold (Metal), Wood, Water, Fire or Earth—and 2025 is the year of the Wood Snake. “The wood [element] is associated with growth, vitality, creativity, flexibility, renewal and sustainability,” explains Marc Xu, Chinese culture expert and linguistics professor at Monash University in Australia. Read on to find out key personality traits your child may have based on their Chinese zodiac sign: the snake.

Observant

While snakes have sometimes gotten a bad reputation in pop culture for being cunning or secretive, in Chinese culture, the animal is more closely associated with quiet strength. “Some Snakes may come off as detached or lost in their own world, but this is how they operate,” Laura Lau, Chinese astrology expert and author of The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes, explains. This means that as your baby grows, they will likely take their time to absorb their surroundings before deciding on the right time to make themselves known. Think: joining a game on the playground once they feel comfortable with who is playing and what the rules are.

Resourceful

While your baby will be reliant on you for everything once they arrive, it won’t always be that way. “Highly intuitive, [a Snake likes] to figure things out on their own,” Lau continues. “They possess strong leadership skills and an attention to detail.” This means that as your baby grows, the independent qualities of the Snake will flourish, especially when they begin to encounter life’s many curveballs. “The Snake has a growth mindset and has many opportunities for renewal,” Xu adds. “From the highest highs to the lowest lows, they learn good lessons and are able to overcome and become more resilient.” Whether this means they will pivot to something greater after not making a sports team or take the lead on school projects, your Snake will refuse to let anything get them down.

Strategic

Snakes are known as strategic creatures who are “very quiet and patient, but move fast without hesitation,” Xu says. They know what they want and they aren’t afraid to go and get it. While this might sound intimidating, this can translate to your baby’s personality in the form of some really great future career paths. “Snakes will pursue their life goals with quiet determination,” he continues. “Those careers that require calm analytical and strategic thinking and planning would be best suited for children born in the Year of the Wood Snake—think financial analysts and economists, engineers, music composers, sustainability experts, entrepreneurs, lawyers, therapists and life coaches. And, of course, they can also be great linguists or data scientists!”

Creative

“Creative” might not be the first word that comes to mind when you think of the Snake, but it’s actually one of their defining qualities. The mystery that surrounds them is often misunderstood for their deep thinking skills and creative energy. “Babies born in the Year of the Snake will have a natural curiosity, as they are insightful and creative,” Xu explains. This could emerge with your Snake turning heartbreak into music or channeling their feelings into creative outlets such as painting. This unique ability to turn bad luck into exciting opportunities is a gift your baby will be lucky to possess. Need more proof? Your baby is in great (and successful) company with celebrities born in the Year of the Snake, including Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Chris Rock and more.

2026 Babies and Beyond

If you’re hoping to welcome a baby with a due date in 2026, your baby’s sign will be the Horse. Check out Lau’s breakdown of the dominant personality traits for the Horse and the other Chinese zodiac signs below. Happy Lunar New Year!

Rat (Years: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)

The Rat is known for charm and creativity. Straightforward and very inquisitive, this child is a fierce competitor. Rats will be generous only to those they're especially close to.

Ox (Years: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)

The Ox symbolizes good fortune through hard work and pure grit. Patient and diligent, the Ox enjoys their rituals and loves routine. While Oxen are good listeners, it’s difficult to change their minds.

Tiger (1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022)

Rebellious, colorful and unpredictable, the Tiger commands attention. This fearless fighter is the sign of a defender. The Tiger is a bundle of energy and will need to get outside and run it out daily!

Rabbit (1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023)

The Rabbit child is known for learning the rules of the game early. They’ll learn how to get along with children and teachers easily. Observant and approachable, they’ll have a particular affinity for the arts.

Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024)

The Dragon is well-known for its bold personality and strong reputation for leadership, but they also know how to build bridges with a diverse group of people, rather than overpower through sheer force. Fierce and competitive, the Dragon's energy is the stuff of legend.

Horse (Years: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026)

People born in the Horse’s year are full of optimism and high energy, although their moods may cause them to have a hot temper. Intuitive and talkative, they can engage even the shyest people to open up about their lives. They love to explore and have a strong appetite for trying new things.

Sheep (Years: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027)

Sheep are known for their big hearts and commitment to helping others. Often shy, they’re commonly drawn to the arts to express themselves. Kind and compassionate, they have an inner determination that seems at odds with their gentle personality. 

Monkey (Years: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028)

The Monkey is the sign of the inventor who loves a good challenge. The Monkey can solve puzzles with ease and loves to create new things. A person born under this year is naturally ambitious and will be very self-motivated.

Rooster (Years: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029)

Fast learners and self-motivated, these children will be their own toughest critics. Roosters are outstanding performers, and they shine when they’re the center of attention. Naturally charismatic, the Rooster will be a gifted storyteller.

Dog (Years: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030)

Friendly and independent, children born in the year of the Dog find it easy to make friends. They have a deep sense of responsibility and fairness, making them a fiercely loyal sibling and friend. The Dog sign naturally knows how to connect people and how to work together across many personalities.

Boar (Years: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031)

The Boar sign symbolizes honesty, simplicity and courage. Boars are known for a life of extremes. Love, friendship, generosity, fashion—the Boar never does anything halfway. With such a big personality and passion for expression, the Boar never has a shortage of friends or invitations. This sign’s biggest challenge is saying “no.”