Start boiling the kettle, because the Year of the Snake is fast approaching.
What is Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year is celebrated during the new moon, beginning 29 January 2025 with celebrations continuing over 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival.
The celebrations in its early form, was a holiday for farmers and workers to have a rest from their year-long hard labour. Today, this sentiment remains in many ways. Those who partake in Lunar New Year celebrations take time off to rest, recharge and be with family.
Many spend the week leading up to the celebrations preparing for hosting big feasts, attending festivals and visits to friends and families during this time.
What does the year of the snake mean?
2025 is the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac - which is about introspection. Other years associated with the snake are 2025, 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965 and 1953.
In Chinese zodiac, the snake is associated with the qualities of intelligence and intuition, according to the China Highlights. People born in the Year of the Snake are said to have wisdom, strategic and magnetic charm. They're often artistic and great thinkers.
In Chinese element theory, the five elements of fire, earth, metal, water, and wood are used to correspond with the zodiac signs. In 2025, the snake is linked to wood, symbolising growth and renewal.What should I gift for the Lunar New Year?
Traditional gifts include plants, red envelopes generously filled with money, and fruit baskets to symbolise good luck. Tea also makes a lovely gift, which can be enjoyed throughout the Lunar New Year celebrations and will also be treasured for the year ahead.
So, we put the call out to our team to hear what Lunar New Year gifts they plan to share with their nearest and dearest. And if they are hosting, what teas they will have on their menu. Their recommendations will have you craving a cup of tea, asap. Think green, oolong and black teas, with a mix of traditional blends and flavours that are a little different but will suit your celebrations immaculately.Buddha's Tears & French Earl Grey
"My first choice is Buddha's Tears - it tastes premium and is delicate on the palate with a beautiful tea scent. Followed by French Earl Grey, I've been drinking it for over two decades and T2's is still the best in my humble opinion. It is a black tea alternative with beautiful floral-fruity notes and would be suited as a spring blossom, welcoming Lunar New Year Black Tea.”
- DanLin, Planning team
China Jasmine
"It's the tea I can never get enough of. Perfect for celebrating Lunar New Year, a time when we're indulging in New Year snacks and pastries. This tea will be a great match as it is light, floral and good for digestion."
- Calvin, Finance team
Jasmine Pear
"With its fresh pear notes, it offers a bit of a jazzier take on the classic jasmine I would usually reach for, while still pairing well with all of your fave new year treats!"
- Danii, Creative team
English Breakfast & China Jasmine
"Black tea or green tea without added flavour would be our favourite in my hometown. Black tea for people like my parents, grandparents or boss. Green tea like China Jasmine for friends and siblings."
- Nina, E-commerence team
Oolong
"The sweet and earthy flavours of Oolong tea capture the lively spirit of Lunar New Year, blending tradition, fresh beginnings, and the hope for a prosperous year ahead. I will be giving it to my family and friends."
- Sam, E-commmerce team
The Super Selection
"This tea pack is a perfect choice for Lunar New Year celebrations. Its pinkish-red packaging symbolises good luck and prosperity in Chinese culture, aligning beautifully with the festive colours of the season. The vibrant packaging also complements the traditional candy box often displayed during Chinese New Year, making it an ideal pairing for guests."
- Cindy, HR
Leafy Greens
"I will be choosing Leafy Greens as a gift to my parents. It is a trio of green tea with lots of health benefits, which makes it a good gift for the elders. Also, it will be nice to drink a cup after the Lunar New Year feast, as it helps with digestion and keeps you refreshed."
- Margaret, Finance team
Complete the gift with these golden ideas
Share these glistening gold teawares, representing good luck and prosperity. Teawares are the perfect 'finishing touch' to the gift of tea, whether it's a small gesture, like a golden teaspoon, or an heirloom gift they well treasure for years to come, like the Onyx Gold Teapot.
Onyx Gold Teapot
Gleaming with a luxurious gold coating, with a useful stainless-steel infuser.
Gold Electro sugar bowl
Made with fine bone china, it’s a sweet gesture for hosts who love to impress their guests.
Gold Bee Teaspoon
Made with premium stainless steel, artfully engraved with bees and florals.
Bee Moroccan Glass Cup & Saucer
Perfect for someone who loves iced tea, with shining gold details. A T2 best seller.
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