Snake

2013 is the year of the snake. Snake is the sixth animal in the zodiac. For the zodiac sign of snake, we use a character that looks like this: 巳, which is a different character from when we write the animal snake--such as the Japanese language. The character is said to be modeled after a fetus or a snake coming out of the ground, therefore symbolizes new beginning or new discovery.  That meaning is also drawn from the fact that snakes shed their skin. Japanese people also believe snakes to be god's creatures that brings fortune and longevity.

From 2002 to 2010, my mother had sent me a zodiac animal figure for the following year to be displayed on our mantel for Christmas. When she passed away in 2011, she had just two more to go to complete the collection of all 12 animals. I asked my sister in law if she would send me the next two in her place and she kindly obliged. A beautiful dragon arrived that year and for this year, she sent a very friendly looking snake figure. When I open the bin full of those animals that stays in the garage, I feel a lot of love from both my mother and then from my sister in law. From next year on, I look forward to revisiting the animals, thinking back to the year my mother sent it to me and thinking about where my daughter will be the next time we see that animal. 

I had a odd year last year of grieving and suffering some more loss of friends and colleagues. A new beginning is just what I need.  And I will write more posts this year, I swear. 

Happy New Year to you all.