The best known Chinese folk representation of snakes is the Legend of the White Snake. The snake’s role in it has gone from bad to good.

Lunar New Year, often called the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, is the most important holiday in China and many other Asian communities. Every year is marked by a different animal and 2025 is the Year of the Snake.

One well-known ancient legend speaks of Nian, a hideous monster that feasted on human flesh on New Year’s Day. Because the beast feared the color red, loud noises and fire, people put up red paper dragons on their doors, burned red lanterns all night and set off firecrackers to frighten and chase away the monster.

Under the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of the Snake is here. Here's a look at various traditions where you can celebrate in Michigan.