The Shining Serpent (辉蛇) is a packaging concept created to celebrate the Lunar New Year of 2025, the year of Ất Tỵ (乙巳). The project consists of a set of three wooden boxes designed to contain red envelopes, with each box holding five envelopes. The concept explores the cultural symbolism of fortune, prosperity, and renewal during the new year while presenting them through a refined object that functions both as packaging and as a collectible keepsake.

The snake is rarely perceived as an animal associated with luck. In many folk beliefs it is often interpreted as a sign of misfortune, uncertainty, or unexpected change. However there are also more complex and controversial interpretations of the snake across different cultures. In ancient Chinese mythology, figures such as Nữ Oa (女娲) and Phục Hy (伏羲) were depicted with serpent like bodies, suggesting a symbolic connection between humans and serpents. In Western medical symbolism, the snake represents renewal and healing through its biological ability to shed its skin and regenerate a stronger body, as illustrated by the story of the Rod of Asclepius.

During our research we realized that the meaning of a symbol depends greatly on the context in which it is placed. The ancient zodiac system was created because these animals represented the natural order of the world, rather than being judged as good or bad creatures. Because of this we chose to approach the image of the snake from an optimistic perspective, believing that a design featuring the serpent can communicate a positive message.

Traditionally red envelopes are used to contain money, which people give to one another as a gesture of appreciation, blessings, and encouragement. The gift carries both real material value and symbolic meaning. As the year 2025 arrives during a time when the economy is facing various challenges, we believed that a concept related to money, fortune, and prosperity would resonate strongly with the cultural spirit of the new year.

During the development of the packaging we were particularly inspired by the tradition of Chinese coin strings. In ancient culture coins were often tied together with red cords, forming a chain that symbolized wealth, prosperity, and the continuous flow of fortune. The belief was that when coins were connected together, money would circulate, accumulate, and grow over time. This idea felt conceptually close to the image of a serpent, which coils around itself and sheds its skin in order to grow stronger.

The number of coins tied together also represents different symbolic meanings and blessings. Three coins represent Tam tài (三才), the three fundamental elements of the universe, Thiên (天), Địa (地), Nhân (人). These three forces must exist in harmony for life and growth to flourish. Five coins represent Ngũ phúc (五福), the five blessings which include Trường thọ (長壽), Phú quý (富貴), Khang ninh (康寧), Hảo đức (好德), Thiện chung (善終). Six coins represent Lộc (禄), symbolizing financial fortune and material prosperity. Eight coins represent Phát (發), meaning prosperity, growth, and success. Nine coins represent Trường cửu (長久), symbolizing longevity, stability, and lasting continuity.

The wooden boxes are constructed with metallic plated edges finished in copper, silver, and gold tones. The wooden body communicates warmth, craftsmanship, and durability, while the metal edges serve both as protective frames and as visual highlights. The metallic finish adds a sense of refinement and elegance, transforming the objects from simple packaging into a series of much more ceremonial and collectible artifacts.

The red envelopes themselves are produced using metallic paper combined with metallic foil embossing techniques in order to emphasize a refined and luxurious appearance. Die cut openings are applied to the envelope surface, inspired by the holes found in traditional Chinese coins.

Through these openings the numbers placed inside the envelope design become partially visible. This creates visual depth within the composition while also revealing the symbol of fortune hidden inside. The idea is similar to glimpsing a lucky number through a coin opening, suggesting the possibility of wealth and prosperity emerging from within.

The calligraphic typography used throughout the design is inspired by the traditional practice of placing handwritten blessing papers at the entrance of a house during the Lunar New Year. These red papers often carry wishes for fortune, prosperity, and protection, and are placed on doors, walls, and shop fronts to welcome good luck while keeping negative influences away.

The typographic style references the cultural practice while also echoing the organic movement of serpentine forms. The flowing strokes resemble the movement of a snake, creating a subtle visual connection between the calligraphy and the central theme of The Shining Serpent.