The Story of Chineses New Year

It was said that long long time ago, there lived a horrible beast named" Nian" in the mountain. Every year, on the first day of the year, which is the first new moon of the year, the beast would awaken and descend upon the village. He would eat all the grains and the animals on the farm, and most scary, even the unprotected children.

The villagers lived in fear of this beast and always locked up their houses on this night to protect their families.

One year, right before the new year, an old man visited the village. After hearing the story, he turned to the villagers and asked, " Why do you so fear this beast? You are so many and he is but one. Surely he could not be able to hurt you all."

The old man who was also very wise told the villagers, "The beast is easily scared. He does not like the color red. He fears loud noises and strange creatures. So when he comes tonight, spread red across the village. Hang red signs on every door. Make loud noises with drums, music, and fireworks. And to protect your children, give them face masks and lanterns to protect them." The villagers did as the old man said and Nian never returned again.

It has become a tradition that part of New Year celebration is to hang lots of red decoration or signs in your house or on the doors. Streets are filled with music, loud drums, and fireworks all day long. And special paper lanterns are made in a variety of shaped and sizes to scare off any beasts that might come.

The end