China Media Group (CMG) unveiled the mascot of its 2025 Spring Festival Gala on Monday.

Drawing inspiration from Chinese traditional culture, the mascot resembles the character "si" or "巳" in oracle bone script, which stands for snake in the Chinese zodiac. It's cute and full of ancient charm.

Si Shengsheng, the mascot for CMG's 2025 Spring Festival Gala. /CMG

With the theme of "Year of the Snake, Keep Your Spirits Awake," the vibrant "Si Shengsheng" evokes a sense of "Ruyi," the Chinese concept of expressing the hope for wishes to come true.

In Chinese, the "bat" has the same pronunciation as "blessing." Therefore, with the bat pattern on its forehead and a "longevity" knot at the tip of its tail, the mascot represents both blessings and good luck.

The features of "Si Sheng Sheng" are also deeply rooted in Chinese tradition. The design of its eyebrows and eyes is inspired by the feathered pattern and the "chen" (臣) character motif found on the bronze snake-shaped vessels unearthed at the Sanxingdui Ruins site in southwest China's Sichuan Province. The "chen" character motif also appears widely on bronze and jade wares in the central plains, symbolizing the inclusive and diverse nature of Chinese civilization. The mascot's back is adorned with intricate patterns of Jingtailan, symbolizing "endless vitality," while floral filigree work outlines begonia, magnolia, peach blossom and peony, symbolizing "the return of spring."

Mainly green, this mascot embodies the rejuvenating spirit of spring, and its color scheme is inspired by a rich tapestry of traditional Chinese colors.

CMG's Spring Festival Gala, known in Chinese as "Chunwan," is an essential part of the Chinese New Year celebrations and is deeply cherished by the Chinese people.

Featuring a diverse array of performances – including music, dance, comedy and drama – the gala is much more than an entertainment show. Rather, it symbolizes a time for family gatherings and the joyful ushering in of the new year.

Broadcast on the Chinese New Year's Eve, the gala is watched by more than a billion people, creating a shared experience that enhances feelings of unity and reunion.