Giving the snake its due


Snake parade: Gan showcasing the Malaysia Zodiac Snake Association’s yearbook, featuring many world leaders born in the Year of the Snake. — DARRAN TAN/The Star

PETALING JAYA: Imagine having a “business” that springs to life only once every 12 years.

That’s how it is for the Malaysia Zodiac Snake Association, whose nearly 2,000 members were all born in the Year of the Snake.

Every 12 years, the group publishes a book dedicated to the Chinese zodiac sign of the snake.

Come Feb 15, a new edition titled Zodiac Culture @ Year of Snake 2025 will be launched to highlight the cultural significance and historical influence of the snake, especially in Chinese culture.

“It explores the snake’s role in the zodiac, its symbolism and its global impact,” said association founder Dr Gan Ching Meng, 72.

The 300-page book also discusses the reptile’s connection to religion, folklore, traditions and festivals, as well as its representation in art and literature.

Special focus is given to ethnic minorities’ contributions and to those promoting the snake’s cultural heritage worldwide.

There will be 5,000 copies of the book, which will be distributed to schools, organisations, universities, sponsors and institutions, both locally and abroad.

The association, which was founded in 1997, is also known as the Association for People Born in the Year of the Snake.

It was originally meant for Gan and his schoolmates from SJK (C) Choong Hua, Banting – all born in 1953 – to reconnect and bond.

In an interview, Gan said the snake is often misunderstood in many cultures.

“In fact, the snake is a symbol of wisdom, a guardian spirit.”

As such, he said the book would delve into its deeper meanings, including its resilience and ability to adapt to change, symbolised by the shedding of its skin.

“The snake represents flexibility and positive societal development, which we hope to promote further,” he added.

The book launch on Feb 15 will take place in Sungai Besar during a Chinese New Year celebration.

Among the activities planned are a showcase of Chinese historical artefacts, traditional drum performances, a snake exhibition, cultural dances and a “dancing snake” performance by the Malaysia Xuan Long Sports Association.

“We expect around 1,000 attendees,” said Gan.

He added that the publication of the book was made possible through donations from their state chapters and contributions from publishers who provided related materials.

“Everyone worked hard to create a book that celebrates the snake,” he said.

Gan also said the association is trying to attract younger members.

“Currently, only 30% of the 2,000 members are young people,” he said, adding that they would organise more activities that appeal to the youth.

Recalling their early days:

“When we registered the association, it wasn’t easy to gain approval because no one understood why we wanted to form a society based on a zodiac animal.”

“Our goal is to unite those born in the Year of the Snake, promote traditional culture and foster a sense of belonging while addressing social and economic challenges in the modern age,” he said.

Gan believes that those born in the Year of the Snake have unique characteristics.

“They appear calm and composed on the outside, much like the snake’s cool skin, but inside, they are warm people who are eager to help others. They are passionate and give hope to others,” he said.

The association, he added, organises activities every year, such as calligraphy competitions, visits to nursing homes, as well as cultural exchange programmes with provinces in China.

He called on “snake babies” to join the society, uniting people of the same zodiac under one organisation.

“There is only one such organisation in Malaysia. From north to south, east to west, we aim to bring together everyone born in the Year of the Snake,” Gan said.

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