In pictures: Year of the Snake

As the lunar New Year begins on Wednesday, Chinese and other communities across Asia head home and prepare for festivities to mark the Year of the Snake.

A tree blossoms with flowers and red Hong Bao envelopes - used to give presents of money - in a Beijing shop

Ethnic Chinese in Jakarta - allowed to celebrate the lunar New Year openly for the first time in 30 years - sell lion masks

A woman in Bejing takes a smoking break after performing in a temple fair celebrating the lunar New Year or Spring Festival

A shop in Bangkok sells Chinese blessings for the lunar New Year

A snake is crafted in a pewter dish in Kuala Lumpur for the Year of the Snake

A girl in Hong Kong during a rehearsal for a New Year parade taking place on the island on Wednesday

Residents of Hanoi take home kumquat trees for the lunar New Year festival known as "Tet", celebrated across Vietnam

Young Malaysian Chinese perform a dragon dance in a street party in Penang

A man dressed as a Ming Dynasty Emperor acts out a rite to the Goddess of the Earth during a performance in Beijing