The snake, the sixth animal in the 12 zodiac signs, is considered the most intelligent and agile of the 12 animals. Due to its characteristic of hibernating and constantly shedding its skin, snakes are often considered a symbol of immortality and rebirth.
Living both underground and above ground, snakes are said to know all the secrets of life, symbolizing intelligence and wisdom.
Throughout history, humans have viewed snakes as both fearsome and sacred, leading to various positive and negative associations being attached to snakes.
These legless, scaly creatures may have jaws flexible enough to swallow their prey whole. Snakes may also be venomous, which has led humans to avoid encountering them.
According to the Korea Times, in Korea, there are various rituals and customs to prevent snakes from entering the house, such as writing the word for snake in Chinese characters, creating amulets and sticking them on house pillars, or planting balsam trees in the yard.
Snakes have long been revered in folklore. Their ability to lay many eggs or give birth to many young at once has led to the belief that snakes bring prosperity and fertility. Meanwhile, rat snakes are considered guardians. There are rituals of worship such as placing rice and money in a jar dedicated to the snake, with many people praying to these jars to ward off bad luck and bring wealth.
To celebrate the Year of the Snake 2025, the National Folk Museum of Korea (NFM) has organized an exhibition titled “The Snake with a Thousand Faces” – exploring the multifaceted symbolism of this animal as a symbol of wisdom, fear, and sacred power throughout history.
NFM Director Jang Sang Hoon emphasized that snakes have a complex presence not only in Korea but also globally. “Snakes have long been considered mysterious and multi-layered creatures. Snakes carry various symbols; sometimes they are symbols of wisdom, guardian deities, and sometimes they are embodiments of rebirth and transformation. These symbols and images are embedded in myths, legends, and folktales of both the East and the West,” he said.
“In folk beliefs, snakes symbolize protection, guarding homes, and bringing good energy. On the other hand, snakes are creatures that connect the relationship between nature and humans while completing the cycle of life,” added the director of the National Folk Museum of Korea.
The exhibition “The Snake with a Thousand Faces” consists of three parts – the Wise Snake, the Fearsome Snake and the Sacred Snake – exploring the different images of snakes around the world and their relationship with humans throughout history. Folklore artifacts related to snakes from many countries, including the sacred ship of the Baga people in Guinea, West Africa, the Maha Kola mask carved in the shape of a snake in Sri Lanka and the Sun Stone from the Aztec civilization of Mexico are on display in this exhibition.
