New year slithers in with optimism
Red Deer Advocate - Tuesday, January 2, 2001 - by Cameron Kennedy
Thousands of people packed First Night venues
across downtown Red Deer Sunday to celebrate
the arrival of 2001, the Year of the Snake. The sixth sign in the Chinese Zodiac's 12-year
cycle, the snake symbolizes cunning, evil
and supernatural powers. People born in the Year of the Snake are
know for their tremendous wisdom, wealth
and beauty, which is tempered by a hint of
vanity.
Dean Harper, owner of Wrappin About Reptiles
in Olds, said he hopes the predictions are
true, since his wife, Maureen, is expecting
in the New Year. "It's a sign," said Harper. "My
kid could take care of me."
Harper brought several snakes from his collection
to Red Deer's sixth annual First Night Festival,
including a 2.4 meter long burmese python
named Zeus.
Harper said people making New Year's resolutions would do well to mimic some of a snake's qualities.
Snakes have a slow metabolism,
which means they only need to eat once a
week. Snakes are also extremely calm, relaxed animals
that take life one day at a time.
"Owning (a snake) is very therapeutic,"
said Harper. "If I've had a stressful
day ...I'll take one of my favorite ones
out for 10 or 15 minutes, and it helps me
get through the rest of the day."
Esterina Manyluk, producer of the family-oriented non-alcoholic First Night celebration, said she didn't realize it was the Year of the Snake when she asked Wrappin About Reptiles to participate in the festival. "I just know when I read that stuff in relation to people I know, it's usually pretty accurate," she said.
