In China, there are about three kinds of origins and legends about "Nian":

1. Nian is an auspicious beast, which brings good luck in all seasons and abundant grains to humans;

Xi is a monster from ancient legends. It appears around human communities at the end of the twelfth lunar month every year, eating people and destroying villages. Restrained by the year of the gods. New Year's Eve falls on the last day of the twelfth lunar month, so the last day of the twelfth lunar month is called New Year's Eve. Because we are saved by the year, the new day is called the New Year.

2. Nian is a monster, specializing in harming crops and harming people;

According to legend, in ancient China there was a monster called "Nian" with a head with tentacles and sharp teeth; His eyes were fierce and ferocious. "Nian" lives deep on the bottom of the sea all year round, only climbing ashore every New Year's Eve to devour livestock and harm people. As time went by, people gradually discovered that the Nian beast was afraid of three things, namely red, fire and loud noises; so later people would gather together on New Year's Eve when the Nian beast was about to arrive, and put up red paper (later gradually changed to paste peach charms). (or post red couplets), hang red lanterns, set off firecrackers, etc., in order to drive away the Nian beast. After the beasts were driven away, people would always happily say to each other: "We have survived another year." Gradually, the term "New Year's Eve" came into being, and the custom of celebrating the New Year came into being.

Three, Nian is a boy who helps humans get rid of the monster Xi.

Extended information:

Traditional New Year customs:

The 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month is commonly known as "Little Year". Legend has it that this day is the day when "The Kitchen God ascends to heaven" .

On the twenty-fourth day of the twelfth lunar month, dust and sweep the house. This day is the customary cleaning day.

On the twenty-fifth day of the twelfth lunar month, grinding mills to make tofu. Legend has it that the Jade Emperor would visit the lower realms and eat tofu dregs to express his poverty.

On the twenty-sixth day of the twelfth lunar month, pigs are killed to cut the New Year meat. People can only eat meat during the annual New Year festival.

On the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth lunar month, New Year chickens are slaughtered, a big market is held, and all the necessary items for the Spring Festival are being purchased.

On the twenty-eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, make cakes and steamed buns with applique flowers. The ancients used peach wood as a wood to ward off evil spirits, but it was later replaced by red paper.

On the twenty-ninth day of the twelfth lunar month, visit the graves to ask your ancestors to make offerings. The worship of ancestors has a long history in our country.

On New Year's Eve, two years are passed in one night, and five years are divided into two years. The cold leaves the winter snow, and the warmth brings in the spring breeze.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, the golden rooster crows. The younger generation pays New Year greetings to the elders, and the elders give lucky money to suppress evil spirits.

On the second day of the Lunar New Year, the golden bark announces spring. The family members go to pay New Year's greetings, the host's family stays for dinner, and the west's family prepares a wine banquet.

On the third day of the Lunar New Year, the Fat Pig Arch. The son-in-law visits his father-in-law and the daughter-in-law returns to her parents' home, bringing even-numbered gifts.

On the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, Sanyang will be the lucky one. The Kitchen God wants to check the household registration and welcome the Kitchen God back to the people.

On the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, Genniu plows the spring. The five roads connect to the God of Wealth, east, west, south, north and center, and the five roads lead to wealth.

On the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, success is imminent. Every year on this day, I drink wine and worship in the street. Thousands of households and thousands of doors look at it, and no one is left poor.

On the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, life will be prosperous. Spread pancakes and eat Qibao soup to calm down your body and mind and recuperate. On the eighth day of the Lunar New Year, release animals and pray for blessings. On the day when the stars descend to the realm, make small lamps and burn them as sacrifices. Every inch of time is worth an inch of gold.

On the ninth day of the Lunar New Year, the Jade Emperor is born. He is the highest god who dominates the universe, and people will hold festivals to celebrate.

On the tenth day of the Lunar New Year, we sacrifice stones to give thanks. There is sky and earth, and the houses of humans and animals are all based on the earth; rice, wheat, and grain are all produced on the earth.

On the eleventh day of the first lunar month, worship Zigu. Women who are deeply oppressed regard her as the protector of weak women.

On the twelfth day of the first lunar month, a lamp shed is built. The Lantern Festival is approaching, and preparations for the Lantern Festival lantern viewing have begun.

On the thirteenth day of the first lunar month, light a lamp under the stove. In advance of the Lantern Festival, starting from the 13th, all the streets and bridges were decorated with bamboo lanterns.

The fourteenth day of the first lunar month is the birthday of Lady Linshui, also known as the "Mother of Shuntian". She is the goddess who saves women with difficult childbirths.

On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the night shines on the field of silkworms (god). Watching colors to judge the fertility of a year later evolved into watching lanterns during the Lantern Festival.