Lunar New Year designs often feature cute depictions of the year's Chinese zodiac animal. But making a snake cute is a challenge, artists say, resulting in an array of biologically inaccurate renderings.

Celebrations vary from culture to culture, but typically on the first day of Lunar New Year people visit the senior members of their extended family. One of the most recognizable celebrations is lion dance troupes, a dramatic tradition meant to usher in the New Year and expel evil spirits.

Hawai'i's Asian American communities are ringing in the year of the snake, according to the Chinese zodiac calendar, a 12-year cycle represented by animals. The last year of the snake happened in 2013.

The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, will be celebrated on January 29, ushering in the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese lunar calendar. This 16-day Spring Festival is marked by cultural traditions,