A Pokémon fan has put a creative spin on a traditional Lunar New Year symbol, featuring Ekans to represent the Year of the Snake on a festive red envelope. This unique Pokémon-themed creation is both stylish and meaningful, paying tribute to the iconic snake Pokémon in a way that embraces the spirit of the new year.
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, follows the moon’s cycle, meaning its date changes annually. This celebration holds great significance across various countries, with each year being represented by a different zodiac animal. In 2024, the world welcomed the Year of the Dragon, and now, the transition into the Year of the Snake is underway. The Pokémon series has occasionally incorporated Lunar New Year themes, making this crossover a fitting tribute.
On the Pokémon subreddit, a fan shared the beautifully designed red Lunar New Year envelopes crafted by their wife. The envelope features the traditional red and gold color scheme, staying true to the classic festive aesthetic. At the bottom, Ekans is depicted with its mouth wide open, surrounded by golden beams, as if letting out a powerful hiss to usher in the new year. In line with tradition, these red envelopes typically contain money and are gifted as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead.
Pokemon and the Moon Have a History
Although Ekans was chosen to align with the Year of the Snake, Pokémon has long been associated with the moon. In both the games and anime, Pokémon like Clefairy have a deep connection to the moon, with Mt. Moon being a well-known location to encounter them. Certain Pokémon, such as Ursaring, only evolve under a full moon, while others require Moon Stones to evolve.
While Ekans itself doesn’t have a direct link to the moon, it has become a popular mascot for the Year of the Snake, even receiving recognition from official sources. The Pokémon Center encouraged fans to check out Ekans plush toys for the occasion, while Pokémon GO has also highlighted the serpent Pokémon in its Lunar New Year celebration. Players who love Ekans should stay alert, as the standard version will have an increased spawn rate, and Shiny Ekans will also appear more frequently in the wild.