S
hhh … there’s a Snake in the grass. He gracefully
slithered in as the flamboyant Dragon flew away.
He doesn’t take kindly to being disturbed, so tread
very carefully.
And that’s not all you need to know if you’re expecting
a “Snake in the grass babe” – the name given to babies
born after 4 February, 2013, in classical Chinese texts.
The animal that rules your year of birth is believed to be
the animal that hides in your heart, according to Chinese
astrology. So, here’s a sneak peak at what to expect if you’re
expecting a Snake:
Snake babies are strong, sophisticated and super-smart.
They are born with a sixth sense, which keeps them safe
from harm, advises Jill Lander, feng shui master at Golden
Elements and at the New Age Shop in Central.
Sound good so far? It gets better. Snake babies love
to sleep. But they need peace and quiet, so don’t expect
your baby to snooze in a stroller as you run errands on
Hong Kong’s noisy streets. Furthermore, the Snake baby
thoroughly dislikes hectic schedules. Interrupt his precious
sleep or pack too much into his day, and you’ll have a sulky
little Snake on your hands.
He will also sulk if you dress him in no-name hand-
me-downs. Your Snake baby wants Hermès, darling. His
sophisticated taste means that he will be easy to feed, says
Jill, so come the six-month mark, forget bland rice cereal
and bring on the good stuff. He will live a luxurious life
and, given that he is a good omen in your home, your
considerate Snake will ensure that you, too, remain
financially secure.
The silent and secretive Snake’s wisdom comes from
within. He will not risk failure by trusting the judgment of
others. Intelligent, intuitive and insightful, he is a natural-
born leader that others will look up to. These traits,
combined with the fact that he is frugal with his finances
and a fast learner, mean that he is destined for success.
Though he may look laid-back, the Snake’s intense
personality means that he is prone to stress. As an over-
anxious and insecure child, he will require constant
reassurance, says Jill. Yet it is important that parents do not
spoil their Snake by constantly succumbing to his charms.
As this year’s babies are tempered by the element of Water,
one of the five elements governing each of the 12 Chinese
zodiac signs, Jill recommends reading books and playing
music to soothe the over-stressed Snake.
Sue Richardson, mother of an Ox and a Tiger, is
expecting her baby Snake this year. While Snake babies
are typically affectionate towards their family members,
since they are possessive and dislike noise, she wonders
how her three children will connect with each other. Jill
advises that Snakes and Oxen, as well as Roosters, are the
most compatible siblings. Snakes and Pigs are the least
compatible. The Tiger and the Snake are both irresistibly
charming, which may initially draw them to each other.
Yet they may find themselves clashing at times, especially
as they both like to get their own way.
Family or friends, the suave, seductive Snake is
determined to charm your hearts. Loving, loyal and lucky,
your baby Snake will ensure that your lives are richer in
every way.
Last year’s drama over the Dragon makes way for the luxurious life of this
year’s Snake, writes
Angela Baura
.
Charming a Snake
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