The Year of the Snake
By Lani Gering
It’s that time of the year! Yah, yah, there’s Valentine’s and Presidents Day but it’s time for the installation at the MGM Grand’s Conservatory to morph into the 2025 Lunar New Year of the Snake! This is a special year for me since the Snake is MY zodiac animal/reptile. The installation runs through March 10th when it will be replaced with the spring theme – no doubt Cherry Blossom related.
As in past years, this Lunar New Year installation is amazing! Not sure if it tops the Tiger or last years Dragon but it is way happening. Since I have seen pretty much every Lunar New Year installation since the MGM opened, there are a few pieces of them that remain the same but they remain very impressing. This year include a 28-foot-long snake, 15-foot-tall princess, 30-foot-tall bonsai tree, 25-foot-tall golden bamboo forest, money tree adorned with 260 oversized gold coins, eight 4-to-6-foot fans with hand-painted scenery, two jade rock fountains, 34-foot-long x 16-foot-tall lunar gate, two white cranes, eight 8-foot lanterns with firecrackers and the beautiful topiary koi fish.
It is definitely worth a trip to the Harbor with a stop at the MGM to see this. You don’t have to hit up the casino – just because I have to at least drop $20 on video poker every time – to have fun here. There are many good places to get something to eat and drink as well. The underground parking is plentiful and FREE and you have access to the Conservatory 24 hours a day.
As in the past, I consulted ChineseNewYear.net and dug up the following info:
The Snake is the 6th animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac signs, coming after the Dragon and before the Horse. Recent years of the Snake include 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, and 1941.
The Snake is a cautious, introverted observer, cool and mysterious in behavior owing to their suspicious and insecure nature, yet their armor conceals abundant sensitivity, wisdom, and passion that will surely surprise their few confidants.
Snake’s 2025 Horoscope
While 2025 is a challenging year for Snakes due to their Ben Ming Nian aka when your zodiac animal matches the current year. Lucky stars offer strong opportunities for career and financial growth. Stay focused, take necessary precautions, and balance challenges with joyful events to make the most of the year.
Personality Traits of Snake Signs
Snakes are sensitive, effective, and adaptable, positive personality traits often complemented by a considerable intelligence. They are usually amiable and even-tempered, showing a cool and calm exterior punctuated by occasional bouts of perfectly-timed energy and passion.
They move elegantly through the social sphere, armed with their wide range of interests and hobbies, which add to their intrigue and mystery. They’re often artistic, which makes them taste-makers others look to for guidance.
In emergencies, Snakes show their true value by remaining calm and collected, not losing an ounce of their ability to analyze the situation and come up with the best solution while remaining a dependable presence.
In daily life, Snake people are easy-going and fascinating for their mystery while also needing alone time to smooth their sensitivities. If they can learn to be vulnerable, Snake will find a new world opening to them.
Snake Strengths
Snakes are self-respecting and steadfast; therefore, external voices won’t shake their resolve. They’re goal-oriented, and while they don’t often appear outwardly passionate, they’re blessed with a keen intuition and ample inspiration, making them very creative.
Indeed, Snake may well choose a career in art because they make connections between subjects. They also possess excellent taste, glide among the elite with elegance, and can remain calm in the most stressful situations.
Snake Weaknesses
Snakes are emotionally detached, which can, at times, manifest as coldness or selfishness. Others distrust them, as they seem to be calculating and only concerned with their own welfare, and Snakes distrust others in return.
With their romantic partners, Snakes may struggle to be vulnerable and will try to protect themselves with their usual detachment—which spells romantic failure and will, unfortunately, reinforce Snakes’ distrust for others in the future.
The Harbor Welcomes the National Zoo’s Pandas with
PANDAmonium Celebration
National Harbor is welcoming Bao Li and Qing Bao, the National Zoo’s new pandas, with a special celebration through February 28th.
Various retailers and restaurants will have everything from sweet treat specials to must-have retail promotions. National Harbor restaurants and shops are joining the celebration with special items from milkshakes to tea to art.
You may purchase panda items at Corinto Gallery (131 American Way) at 10% off; The Yard Milkshake Bar (185 Waterfront St.) serves up panda-inspired indulgence with its Panda Milkshake/Sundae; Panda Tea House (141 Waterfront St.) provides two free toppings with a Panda Milk Tea order and 10% off any panda plushies. Silver Diner (108 Waterfront St.) features its popular Oreo Cookie Milkshake in honor of the pandas. The restaurant will also have a free limited-edition panda pin that includes an instant prize for a free kids shake for Silver Diner Kids Club members (while supplies last.) Kids 12 years and younger can join the club for free.
To see more participants, go to www.nationalharbor.com/blog/experience-pandamonium-at-national-harbor/. For more information on National Harbor, visit www.nationalharbor.com.
