Lunar New Year designs often feature cute depictions of the year's Chinese zodiac animal. But making a snake cute is a challenge, artists say, resulting in an array of biologically inaccurate renderings.

Asian American communities around the U.S. and around the world are ringing in the Year of the Snake Wednesday, including in New York City. The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival,

The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, will be celebrated on January 29, ushering in the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese lunar calendar. This 16-day Spring Festival is marked by cultural traditions,

Lunar New Year is one of the biggest celebrations of the year for those of Asian heritage, involving family gatherings, lion dances, fireworks and for children, the exchange of red envelopes stuffed with cash.

Lunar New Year festivals and prayers are marking the start of the Year of the Snake around Asia and farther afield

Over 1 billion people celebrate the holiday, which marks the transition from cold winter to a season of renewal and ushers in one of 12 Chinese zodiac signs.

Many Chinese who work in bigger cities return home during the eight-day national holiday in what is described as the world's biggest annual movement of humanity.