In 2025, we will welcome the Year of the Snake, and what better way to celebrate with children than through an enjoyable and interactive Lunar New Year craft? I designed a Chinese New Year snake agamograph coloring activity suitable for kids of every age.
What is an agamograph?
An agamograph is a fascinating type of artwork that merges two pictures into one, with each image appearing from a different viewing angle. In this project, one side displays a snake, while the other reveals the words “Chinese New Year”.
The name agamograph comes from Israeli artist Yaacov Agam, who is recognized as its creator.
Through his inventive agamographs, Agam skillfully brings several images together in one artwork that shifts as the viewer changes position. His creations have had a lasting influence on the art community and have also inspired many crafting projects.
The snake in Chinese mythology
Within Chinese culture, the snake represents wisdom, intuition, and change. As the sixth animal in the Chinese Zodiac, the Snake is commonly viewed as a mysterious creature known for thoughtful reflection.
Those born during the Year of the Snake are thought to be clever, elegant, and strategic, with a strong talent for handling complicated circumstances.
According to ancient Chinese mythology, the Snake is connected to Fuxi, one of the earliest rulers. Fuxi is frequently depicted with a human head and a serpent’s body, symbolizing the balanced connection between heaven and earth.
More Lunar New Year snake crafts
Chinese New Year paper hat – a straightforward headband that children can create at home or in the classroom. The paper crown displays several phrases: Happy Chinese New Year, Year Of The Snake, Happy Year Of The Snake, and Happy New Year.
Chinese New Year snake spinner – Make an entertaining and hands-on Chinese New Year snake spinner with your children using only paper and coloring pencils. While encouraging imagination and fine motor development, this craft also introduces kids to the Chinese zodiac.
2025 Year of the Snake decoration – This lovely ornament shows the snake encircled by fireworks and cherry blossoms. Children can also color in the year 2025 shown along the bottom.
Chinese New Year snake agamograph
The printable snake decoration comes with two template options:
Option 2 – place the strips in numerical sequence.
Option 1 – organize the strips in alphabetical sequence.
Materials:
Step-by-step instructions
First, print the page containing both pictures, then color each one.
Trim out both pictures, making sure the letters/numbers at the bottom remain attached.
Next, cut out the strips, taking care to leave the letters/numbers attached at their bottoms.
Attach the strips to the empty frame in sequence, ensuring that the letters/numbers along their bottoms correspond with those on the bottom of the blank frame.
Remove the frame’s white edge together with the letters/numbers.
Create accordion folds in the agamograph along the lines separating the pictures.
Rotate the agamograph from side to side to view both images.