Waking up in Seoul in 2013, I found a painting of an auspicious snake looking down at me from the new calendar hanging on the wall of my bedroom. Suddenly, it occurred to me that 2013 was the Year of the Snake. Soon my memory drifted to one fine day when I had encountered a cute baby snake in a bush on campus. The little snake was startled to see me and hurriedly hid behind a small rock, furtively shooting glances at me. The shy little baby snake was so cute that I almost caressed it. 

I have always thought that snakes are unlucky creatures. Due to the story of the original sin in the Bible, serpents have long been condemned as the evil seducer of Eve, causing the tragic fall of human beings. Indeed, snakes are unfortunate creatures that are often unjustly spurned or blamed for crimes they did not commit. Since some snakes have poisonous teeth, people regard snakes as “armed and dangerous” reptiles that must be shunned or killed at first sight. In addition, many detest snakes simply because of their ominous looks. The Korean maxim, “Dragon head, snake tail” also belittles snakes, for it means, “A great beginning, but a poor ending.”

Interestingly, snakes are portrayed very differently in different parts of the world. In many Western countries, for example, the snake is sometimes used as a phallic symbol that intimidates women. Indeed, not many women seem to be fond of snakes; most women abominate snakes and instinctively jump back and shudder whenever they see their slithering, repulsive tongues and little beady eyes.

In East Asian countries, however, the snake is not used as a phallic symbol, but is portrayed as a feminine emblem, silently waiting and recoiling. In Korea, snakes are also believed to be guardians of a house, bringing wealth and prosperity to the household. Thus, it is bad luck if you kill or kick a snake out of the house. In Western folktales, if an old man’s cane is decorated with a serpent’s head, it implies that the old man is a wicked man. In East Asian culture, however, it may imply that he is a wise man, because snakes usually signify intelligence, wisdom and cunningness.

The ancient Chinese zodiac says that those who are born in the Year of the Snake are cultured, refined, and sophisticated. They will be financially successful, but tend to be calm and quiet. According to the zodiac, snake people are organized and precise, as well as conscientious and diligent. They are also prudent and elegant, and refrain from spontaneous or extravagant spending. All in all, snake people exercise quiet resolve and determined purpose, and are highly intelligent and responsible.

More specifically, 2013 is the Year of the Water Snake. The ancient zodiac says: “Water snakes are influential and insightful. They manage others well and make great staff members for organizations. They are quite motivated and intellectual, and are very determined and resolute about success.” I hope South Korea, like the water snake, will become influential and insightful in 2013, managing international conflicts skillfully, and resolutely pursuing success.

The Korea National Diplomatic Academy recently submitted a report to the government that 2013 will be the most challenging, critical year for South Korea ever, both diplomatically and economically. Waking up in Seoul in 2013, I intensely hope that South Korea will not only survive, but also thrive amidst the ever-increasing conflicts between China and Japan, and between China and the United States, which may brew a perfect storm in the Pacific Ocean this year. I also hope there are no more clashes between the North and South on the Korean Peninsula this year. But I know that is merely my wish that cannot be realized; Undoubtedly, North Korea will not hesitate to provoke South Korea in every way, whether with nuclear missile launches or regional assaults.

In the Year of the Snake, I hope the government can create enough jobs for the numerous frustrated college graduates who are currently unemployed and dismayed. A few days ago, I had the opportunity to converse with a group of college students. One of them asked me, “Professor Kim, is it true that the job market is so grim even in the United States?” He tried to find some consolation by the fact that even American college graduates are having a hard time finding jobs these days due to the worldwide economic recession. It was heartbreaking to see their faces clouded with frustration and disappointment.

The other day, I read a newspaper column entitled, “My Poor 27-Year-Old Daughter.” The writer was a mother whose well-qualified daughter was still unemployed after having tried so many times in vain to get a job. Since I, too, have a 27-year-old daughter, my heart ached as I read the mother’s column.

Waking up in Seoul in 2013, I hope South Korea will rise and shine, overcoming all obstacles and crises with the determination, poise and intelligence of a wise snake. 

By Kim Seong-kon

Kim Seong-kon is a professor of English at Seoul National University and president of the Literature Translation Institute of Korea. ― Ed.