Snake baby on the way

The year of snake in the Chinese zodiac cycle is just around the corner. Truly exciting news for all mothers-to-be including Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge. Babies born in the year of snake are said to be lucky and insightful.

When Mao Shuting became pregnant in May, her family was overjoyed for more than one reason. Many Chinese believe that 2013, the year of the snake is auspicious. And here's Mao, with 10 others mothers-to-be, preparing for the birth of their little ones.

Mao Shuting, Expectant Mother, said, "I was told that a baby born in the year of snake is gifted with artistic talent. My baby is going to be a Pisces, and Pisces have a very good sense of art. My husband and I are both working in the art industry, so I think it is such a blessing for us to have this baby."

And another mother to be is the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton. The baby, who will be third in line to the British throne, will also be born in the year of the snake.

The Snake is the sixth sign of the Chinese zodiac. It's known as the deepest thinker of the 12-year cycle. Fortune teller Dong Yilin, is making his predictions for those young and old born in the year of snake. And he believes the year 2013 will be a very good year for all those born under this auspicious sign.

Dong Yilin, I-Chiing Master, said, "People who are born in the year of snake are very good at putting aside worries and moving on with life. "

The Year of the Snake doesn't begin until February 10th, but some have already started hunting for snake coins to bring them good luck. This manager of a gold store in Beijing says snake coins are already hot on the market.

"Snake coins are a perfect combination of Chinese traditional culture of animal signs and gold. They are mainly made of gold, silver and other precious metals, and they have very high reserve value."

For this year's animal, more than 80-thousand Dragon coins were sold. For the new lunar year, about 50-thousand snake coins are expected to hit the market.

If it's not lucky for the buyers, it's definitely lucky for the sellers.