As we gear up to celebrate the Chinese New Year on January 29, 2025, we're entering the Year of the Snake. Now, before you go thinking about slippery serpents, let's dive into how the snake symbolizes female empowerment across cultures and how it resonates with the lesbian community.
1. Nüwa: The Mother Serpent
In Chinese mythology, Nüwa is a goddess with a snake's body + a human face. She created humanity and repaired the heavens after a great flood. Nüwa represents the nurturing power of women and the deep ties between creation and femininity.
As a figure from matriarchal culture, she symbolizes a time when women led societies—something modern feminism and the lesbian community can take inspiration from. Learn more about Nüwa’s myth onWorld History Encyclopedia.
2. The Legend of White Snake: Breaking the Rules
The story of Bai Suzhen, the White Snake, is a classic in Chinese folklore. Bai Suzhen is a snake spirit who transforms into a woman, falls for a human man named Xu Xian, and dreams of living a quiet, happy life.
Sounds like another dull heterosexual love story, right? Or maybe a Chinese version of The Little Mermaid? Not quite. Considering the time period, Bai Suzhen’s rebellion was groundbreaking. Her love, her existence, even her identity are labeled “unnatural.” She’s betrayed, exiled, and imprisoned under a pagoda. But she never backs down.
Plus, there’s Xiaoqing, Bai Suzhen’s Green Snake bestie, her fierce ally (or maybe more?). Their bond, full of loyalty and shared struggles, defies conventional relationships. Together, they represent solidarity and a deep connection that resonates far beyond societal norms. Bai Suzhen’s story isn’t just about love; it’s about breaking rules and finding self-awareness, with a side of unapologetic queerness.
Curious about their story? Check out SupChina for more.
3. Medusa: From Monster to Feminist Icon
Over in Greek mythology, Medusa’s snakes aren’t just scary—they’re symbols of power. Cursed for something beyond her control, Medusa turned her pain into strength, becoming a feminist symbol of resilience.
Her image has been reclaimed in queer and feminist art to celebrate defiance and transformation. She reminds us that even when the world tries to silence us, we can strike back—literally and figuratively.
Explore how Medusa is represented in modern feminist movements in this BBC article.
4. Human-Reptile Complexity
Snakes have fascinated humans for centuries, embodying duality—creation and destruction, danger and beauty. This complexity mirrors the struggles and triumphs of the lesbian community. Like shedding skin, embracing your true self can be terrifying but ultimately transformative.
Artists and writers have long explored this connection. Zanele Muholi’s photography, for instance, often incorporates serpentine imagery to challenge norms. This intersection of human and reptilian traits represents our constant evolution, making snakes the perfect symbol for empowerment and identity.
At Eros Song, we not only dedicate to designing best lesbian sex toys, but we’re about celebrating this complexity. Let’s shed those old skins, embrace authenticity, and create a community that uplifts everyone.
#YearOfTheSnake #LesbianEmpowerment #ErosSong #QueerArt #LunarNewYear
