The Legend of Chinese New Year's Eve

The legend of Nian is a mythical beast that terrorized villages annually. The legend explains how villagers initially fled to the mountains for safety, but a wise old man revealed that bright colours, loud noises, and light could scare Nian away. This led to the adoption of customs like red decorations, firecrackers, and staying up all night to ward off evil spirits and ensure good fortune in the new year. These traditions, passed down through generations, continue to be celebrated during Chinese New Year's Eve (除夕).