Members of the Filipino-Chinese community in Iloilo City gathered at the Santa Maria Parish Church to celebrate a Holy Mass in line with the celebration of the Chinese New Year.
The snake comes sixth in the 12-animal rotation used by the Chinese to represent the year, following the loong and preceding the horse. Others in the zodiac include rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, sheep/goat, ...
This imagery traces back to Asclepius, the ancient Greek god of healing ... coins and the Chinese character "Fu," which symbolizes good fortune and happiness. "By integrating symbols of prosperity ...