 The Legend
of 'Nian'
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Its origin is ancient, but many believe the
word Nian, which means "year", was the name of a beast that preyed
on people on the eve of a new year.
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In one legend, the beast, Nian, had the power
to swallow up all the people in a village in one big bite. Village people were
very scared of Nian.
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One day, an old man came to the villagers'
rescue, offering to subdue Nian. The old man asked Nian, "I know you can
swallow people, but can you swallow other beasts of prey instead of people who
are by no means your worthy opponents?"
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Nian accepted the old man's challenge and
swallowed the beasts that had harassed the villagers and their farm animals
for years.
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At the end of the legend, the old man
disappeared riding off on Nian. In this legend, the old man turned out to be
an immortal god.
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In the end, Nian is gone and the other beasts
of prey are scared into hiding in the forests. The villagers can once again
enjoy their peaceful life.
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| The legend goes on to say before the old man
left, he told the villagers to put red paper decorations on their windows and
doors at each year's end in order to keep Nian away. It is believed Nian is
afraid of the color red. |
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The tradition of observing the conquest of Nian
is carried on from generation to generation. The term "Guo Nian",
which means "Survive the Nian" became "Celebrate the Year"
and the word "guo" in Chinese means both "pass over" and
"observe".
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The custom of putting up red paper and lighting
firecrackers to scare away Nian continues today.
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