Transformation and Rebirth

The year of the Wood Snake

GEOFFREY FINCH

FEB 13

It is generally accepted that wishing people ‘Happy New Year!’ is something one can only do until the end of January. If one were to observe the dictates of socially acceptable behaviour, such greetings should be done with, and we should be getting on with the more serious business of being IN the new year. (Ay, and what a year it has started out to be, but this is neither the time, nor the place.)

Nonsense I say! Time, as Einstein explained, is relative, and choosing the right moment to wish everyone a happy new year should therefore allow for personal predilections and the capriciousness of time. In addition, the Chinese New Year only began on 29 January, and the Orthodox new year on 14 January.

So, ‘Happy New Year!’ I say!

Oh, and while we’re at it, Happy Saint Valentine’s day! You can read all about that on my post from 8 February, 2024.

According to the Chinese New Year, this is the year of the Wood Snake, which is associated with transformation and rebirth. And more interestingly, its magnetic resonance allows it to listen to the heartbeat of mother Earth. Let’s hope that this power will trickle down through the ranks of the climate change deniers, the ecologically unconscious, and the greed of all who place the accumulation of material wealth over the health and well being of this planet, enabling them to also listen to the heartbeat of mother Earth, thus heralding a new age of sustainable, regenerative, healing that benefits all. And that instead of eating and drinking poison, we rediscover the energy and vitality of the fruits of the earth, bringing health and well-being to all.

In the words of John Lennon, “you may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope some day you’ll join us, and the world will be as one.” There is definitely work to be done, but now that we have the wisdom, adaptability, and transformative power of the Wood Snake with us, perhaps we will see rebirth and renewal, along with spiritual growth, that will lead to peace and harmony, and a lot more natural wine!

In these very unstable (transformative?) times of geopolitical upheaval, lets hope that adaptability doesn’t equate with complacent acceptance, but instead with spiritual growth, deep thought, and global, balanced prosperity.

The Sino Cultural website provides a more complete account of the nature of the Wood Snake:

Wisdom and IntuitionThe snake is considered a symbol of wisdom in Chinese folklore. Its ability to shed its skin is often compared to rebirth and renewal, representing adaptability and spiritual growth. The snake’s calm and quiet nature also embodies deep thought and inner peace.Wealth and ProsperityHistorically, the snake has been regarded as a guardian of wealth in Chinese mythology. It is believed to bring financial fortune and protect valuable items, making it a symbol of prosperity. For this reason, the appearance of a snake is often seen as an auspicious sign, particularly if it appears unexpectedly.Mystery and TransformationThe snake’s mysterious nature represents the unknown and encourages individuals to embrace change and explore new possibilities. Its connection to transformation makes the Snake Year an ideal time for self-improvement and pursuing ambitious goals.

At Paris Wine Walks, we have already started to embrace change by offering a new series of experiences. In addition to Wine Walks, we are now offering ‘Culture Tours’ in the oldest and most historic quarters of the city.

Treasured historical landmarks

Although the objective was not to eliminate wine, the inclusion of wine is optional for these walks and offered only as a sort of celebratory gesture at the end. Each experience still includes the real story of Paris, which is wine, but the focus is also on the cultural and historical landmarks of each tour, with amusing anecdotes and the playfulness of treasure hunts guiding us on our way. They are therefore ideal for families with children and those who are keen to discover a different perspective on the vast story that is Paris.

There are three treasure hunts: Marais Treasure Hunt, Latin Quarter Treasure Hunt, and Medieval and Roman Paris, which is also offered as a historical walk. As wine tastings are not included, they are also a lot more affordable, and so can reach a much broader range of travellers, visitors, and residents.

They are also excellent for team building, incentives, and large groups who are looking for fun that also fulfils the need to embrace the endless mosaic of Paris’ historic past, which discovering the legacy of the vine in building the city. Visit our website for full details and start the new year by shuffling off your other skin, snaking your way into one of our historic treasure hunts, and being reborn into a different perspective on the history of the wine capital of the world!

My book, ‘The Hidden Vineyards of Paris’ (reviewed in Jancis Robinson’s wine blog, the Wine Economist, National Geographic Traveler UK, UK Telegraph) is available for purchase via our website and at anglophone bookshops and wine shops in Paris. You can also find it at the Musée de Montmartre and the Librairie Gourmande.