In the world’s oldest Chinatown, fortune has a price tag – and it starts at ₱50. Here’s your guide to lucky shopping in Binondo for the Year of the Wood Snake.
The Philippines joins the global celebration of Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, with festivities across the country. This special non-working holiday reflects the deep cultural integration of Chinese traditions in Filipino society.
This integration stems from a rich history of Chinese-Filipino relations, with Chinese Filipinos comprising 1.8% of the population. The cultural exchange dates back to the 1500s during the Galleon Trade, which initiated economic globalization between America, Europe, and Asia. Today, Chinese customs are woven seamlessly into Filipino culture.
2025 ushers in the Year of the Wood Snake, beginning January 29. Known as a year of empowerment and transformation, many believe in wearing or displaying lucky items to attract positive energy. I visited Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown, to discover traditional lucky charms and learn about their significance from local merchants.
According to Binondo’s merchants, here are the ten most popular and auspicious items for the Year of the Wood Snake:
1. Lucky Chinese Coins (₱50) Three gold coins tied with a red ribbon, carried in wallets or purses to attract wealth.
2. Lucky Cat (₱150-300) A waving cat figurine placed near business entrances to attract customers and prosperity.
3. Tai Sui Card (₱50) A wallet-sized card seeking blessings from General Wu Sui, the God of the Year for 2025.
4. Buddha (₱100-1,000) The laughing Buddha statue symbolizes happiness and abundance for homes and offices.
5. Traditional Offerings Fresh produce tied with red ribbons for deity offerings:
Gabi (taro) for strengthening relationships
Ginger for family health
Palay (rice) for abundance
Fat Choi Orange for good fortune
Pineapple for prosperity (₱100-200 depending on size and quality)
6. Bonsai Kiat (from ₱4,500) A fruit-bearing bush placed at business entrances to attract good fortune.
7. Money Plant (₱50-300) Symbolizes steady growth and business success, best placed in the southeast corner.
8. Bagua (₱100-1,000) Enhances positive energy when placed on front doors.
9. Lucky Chinese Poster (₱100-500) Red and gold feng shui designs to activate luck in various spaces.
10. Green Snake Figurine (₱1,000-3,000) A must-have for 2025, the green snake symbolizes renewal and healing. Touching its head is said to bring good fortune.
While these traditional items don’t guarantee luck, they serve as meaningful symbols of hope and inspiration for the year ahead. They remind us of the rich cultural heritage shared between Filipino and Chinese traditions.
