The origin of "The Story of Nian":

Nian is a ferocious beast in Chinese folk myths and legends. Every time the New Year comes, it will come out to destroy crops and harm people. When winter comes, All the people had to concentrate their efforts to fight against Nian. It was not until spring came when flowers bloomed and the temperature rose that Nian disappeared without a trace. It's New Year's Eve again, and like every year, the people are busy packing their things and preparing to flee to the mountains.

At this time, a white-haired old man came to the east of the village. The white-haired old man told an old woman that as long as he stayed at her house for one night, he would be able to drive away the Nian beast. On that day, the white-haired old man wore red clothes, posted red couplets on the door of the house, set off firecrackers outside the house, beat gongs and drums, and the Nian beast ran away. Therefore, every year during the Chinese New Year, people have to set off firecrackers, wear red clothes, paste red couplets, and beat gongs and drums.

Extended information:

Chinese New Year customs:

1. On the first day of the new year, many towns and rural areas begin to welcome the spring, receive blessings, and worship Tai Sui from early in the morning. With the gods and firecrackers blasting together, various New Year celebrations such as bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new year reach a climax. New Year greetings and congratulations on the New Year are traditional Chinese customs. The golden rooster croaks. The younger generation pays New Year greetings to the elders, and the elders give New Year's money to suppress evil spirits

2. The second day of the Lunar New Year is the first day of the new year. Fish and meat dishes are made to worship the gods. Ancestors, and then have the New Year's dinner.

3. The second day of the Lunar New Year is also the day when married daughters return to their parents’ homes, and their husbands and sons-in-law are required to accompany them, so it is commonly known as “Welcoming Son-in-Law Day”.

4. Starting from the second day of the Lunar New Year, we start visiting relatives and friends to pay New Year greetings. Of course, New Year greetings are indispensable without gift bags that represent our hearts. In addition to the red elements that represent prosperity, the gift bags must also contain oranges and Lili, which imply good luck. Yes, good intentions. The fourth day of the Lunar New Year is the day to worship the God of Wealth.

5. On the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, shops and restaurants officially open for business, and firecrackers are set off, no less than on New Year's Eve.

6. The seventh day of the Lunar New Year is a Chinese New Year day, so people generally don’t go out to pay New Year greetings.

7. The eighth day of the Lunar New Year is the start of work day. Distributing start-up bonuses is the first thing Guangdong bosses do on the first day of work after the Chinese New Year; Big red and purple.