Today marks the Start of Spring (lichun, Chinese: 立春), the first of the 24 solar terms and the start of a new cycle. We look forward to the revival of life and the lush greenery captured in this artwork from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Part of the Twelve Zodiac Album by Ren Yu (1853-1901), preserved in the Palace Museum, the painting features a snake, symbolizing auspicious blessings and the promise of a prosperous year.