The first new moon of the lunar calendar officially ushered in the new year in many cultures Wednesday, marking the imminent arrival of spring and the first day of the Year of the Snake, which symbolizes good luck, rebirth and regality.

Celebrations have begun in Colorado and bring the "Year of the Snake." The snake is the sixth animal in the Chinese Zodiac symbolizing complexity, mystery, and transformation. The snake is also about wisdom,

Wisps and clouds of smoke rose into the air at Buddhist and Daoist temples around Asia on Wednesday as people lit incense to pray for good luck in the Year of the Snake.