The 2025 Year of the Blue Snake, or 을사년 (Eulsa Year), is upon us, and with it, many traditions and predictions associated with this auspicious time. One of the major events taking place as we transition from 2024 to 2025 is the New Year’s ceremony at 봉선사 (Bongseonsa Temple) located in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province. This year, the ceremony will also commemorate the victims of the recent Jeju Air crash, marking December 31, 2024, as not just the end of the year, but also as a moment of reflection and respect for those lost.
Bongseonsa Temple plans to conduct various ceremonies from the evening of December 31, starting at 6 PM until the early hours of January 1, 2025. The 송년법회 (year-end service) will occur from 6 PM to 7 PM at Cheongpungru. It will feature messages from the temple’s head monk, Ho-san, as well as the presentation of funds for various community efforts. After this, the traditional bell-ringing ceremony will begin around 11:40 PM and continue until 1 AM, invoking well wishes from monks and community attendees.
At the same time, the city of Suwon, led by City Council Chair Lee Jae-sik, is emphasizing on community well-being as they step confidently toward the new year. The council members have pledged to work responsibly, focusing on improving the lives of citizens. Lee expressed hopes for 2025 to be a year of notable progress and commitment to handling local issues effectively.
He also underlined the significance of fostering warm local communities to support citizens amid social and economic challenges, reiteratively promising transparency and integrity as core principles of the council. The council has already been recognized for its integrity, achieving the highest rating for its public assessment.
The Year of the Blue Snake symbolizes intuition, insight, and careful decision-making. Traditionally, the combination of the Blue element and the Snake sign indicates this year will require careful thought and wise choices as we proceed through unpredictable times. According to cultural perspectives, snakes carry wisdom and the ability to adapt, positioning the year as one of potential growth and reflection.
From another angle, there are precautions for those engaging with nature come dawn on New Year’s Day. The culture of witnessing sunrises from mountains and beaches is vibrant during this time, but many face risks due to the cold and potentially slippery conditions. Safety advice includes wearing suitable gear to prevent hypothermia and being cautious of footing, particularly as many would attempt to hike during darkness at challenging terrains.
Notably, Professor Kim Sang-min from Godaegu Hospital has urged caution, especially for the elderly, as winter hiking can lead to slip-and-fall accidents due to icy conditions. He points out the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings and the need for taking preventive measures to avoid accidents related to the cold, slippery surface.
The Blue Year, or Eulsa Year, is intertwined with historical reflections as well. Past occurrences alongside the Eulsa Year include the signing of the Eulsa Treaty which stripped the Korean Empire of its diplomatic rights and recent local history can shape community sentiment. It acts as both remembrance and motivation to pursue improvement and growth as the year progresses.
Despite the challenges faced over the last few years, with many historical struggles marked as setbacks, the year 2025 presents itself as one of hope and change. Korean communities look forward to embracing these meanings, solidifying bonds, engaging with one another, and stepping forward with collective ambitions.
The arrival of 2025 signifies more than just another year; it's about living out the lessons learned, inspiring growth, and establishing new traditions. People are invited to reflect not just on the festivities, but the underlying values these cultural practices bring along to cultivate compassion and community resilience. A hopeful start awaits us as we ring the bell and charge forth with both aspirations and caution.
Indeed, the upcoming year anticipates not only personal growth but also celebration of shared values and connections as communities come together.