Legend of Monster Nian

According to the ancient Chinese legend, in ancient time, there was a ferocious monster named “Nian” with sharp teeth and horns. Secluding itself in the dark sea for a long time, the beast would go onshore by the end of the lunar year and hunt people and livestock. Therefore, every time before the New Year’s Eve, all the villagers would escape to remote mountains to avoid Nian's attack.

villagers were enlightened by the truth that the bamboo burning cracking, red color and bright light were magic keys to scare away the monster.

In order to celebrate the triumph over the monster, people dressed in new and visited neighbors to share the joy. The news spread, and everyone commanded the ways of defending against the beast.

Hence, on every New Year's Eve, people would paste red spring couplets, light candles and burn bamboos (set offfirework) to ward off all the evil spirits. The entire village and town were ablaze with lights, and people would stay up to welcome the New Year.

The traditions are inherited till today. According to the story, Chinese New Year's Day or the Spring Festival is also called "Guo Nian," which means "surviving the Nian". The red also becomes the most popular color for festival celebration and dressing code.