The stories date back thousands of years. Read on to learn of a few popular and interesting Chinese New Year myths. The Monster and New Year’s Eve. In ancient times, there was a monster named Nián (年). It usually lived at the bottom of the sea and would come up once a year to feast on animals and humans. Chinese New Year's Day is called Guo Nian (过年) in Chinese, which can mean 'celebrate (a new) year' or 'overcome Nian'. The character 年 (Nián) could mean a 'year' or 'the monster Nian'. In ancient times, there was a monster named Nian (年, or Nianshou 年兽) with a long head and sharp horns. It dwelled deep in the sea all year round and Chinese New Year is a vibrant tapestry woven with myths that shape its celebrations. From the legend of Nian to the traditions surrounding the Kitchen God and the zodiac animals, these stories not only enrich the festivities but also reinforce cultural values of family, respect, and hope for prosperity. Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Chinese culture. Rooted in ancient traditions, the festival is marked by various customs, rituals, and, most notably, a collection of fascinating stories and legends. These tales not only add a layer Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) is the oldest traditional festival in China, but a few people concern the origin and story behind the holiday. Many existing customs and activities of the festival actually can be traced back to a popular story of the Monster Nian, which helps to explain why and how the festival is celebrated. Later, this Chinese New Year tradition spread over the whole society and became a custom of Chinese people. Chinese New Year Story #3 - the Legend of 10,000 Years Calendar 10000 Years Calendar (Wan Nian Li) is the oldest solar calendar in ancient China, which is more like a reference book and an invaluable tool for farming and daily life of What stories are important to the Chinese New Year. Chinese folklore influences this holiday, creating some of its long-storied traditions. Some of the captivating tales related to the holiday include the following: The legend of Nian. Nian, a fearsome beast, terrorized villages every New Year’s Eve, leaving destruction in its wake. To celebrate our Chinese heritage and history, here are five Lunar New Year-related myths for you to enjoy: 1. The Origins of Chinese New Year: Nian the Monster. The concept of what we now know as Chinese New Year has to do with a horned and sharp-toothed sea monster named Nian (年), which translates to “year” in Mandarin. Unfortunately, due to the notorious and "evil" coronavirus, this year, millions of Chinese people were unable to celebrate the most important holiday on their calendar: the Chinese New Year. The festivity is also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, the origins dated back more than 3,500 years ago and this year was falling on January 25. It is celebrated on the first day of the first month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar (the first day of the second new moon after the day on which the winter solstice occurs, unless there is an intercalary eleventh or twelfth month in the lead-up to the New Year—in such a case, the New Year falls on the day of the third new moon after the 2021 is the year of the Metal Ox. Chinese New Year 2021, also called Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, falls on Friday, February 12th. It lasts for 16 days and ends with the Lantern Festival (first full moon of the lunar year) on February 26th. However, only February 11 through 17th (the first 7 days) are considered a national holiday. The Chinese New Year has been celebrated in China for over 3,500 years, though the precise date changes according to the lunar cycle. With such a long and diverse history, it is little wonder that there are many aspects of New Year’s celebrations around the world (often an excuse to drink, celebrate, and watch an exceptional fireworks show Here is a collection of a few popular and interesting Chinese New Year myths. 1, The Monster and New Year’s Eve. In ancient times, there was a monster named Nián (年). It usually lives at the Red Envelopes (红包, hóng bāo): Elders give these to younger family members as a blessing for the new year. Don’t forget to say 新年快乐! (xīn nián kuài lè , Happy New Year!). For more customs during Chinese New Year (春节, chūn jié), we strongly recommend you check the video we shared on YouTube. I'm sure you'll learn a lot 3 Learn about Chinese New Year Myths and Legends. Chinese New Year, also referred to as Lunar New Year, marks the end of Winter and the start of Spring, of new beginnings. It has been celebrated for thousands of years and there are many myths and traditions associated with the festival. Chinese mythology is a collection of cultural history, folk tales or legends, and religious tradition that has been passed down for centuries in oral or written form. There are various aspects of Chinese mythology, including creation myths and legends, and myths about the founding of Chinese culture and the Chinese state. The interconnectedness of nature and Chinese New Year myths reveals the deep cultural significance that the natural world holds in the lives of the Chinese people. From the seasonal changes that influence agricultural practices to the mythical creatures that embody natural forces, the relationship between nature and the New Year is profound and One year, a beggar came to seek shelter, but everyone was hurrying away. Only an old woman took him in and he promised to chase Nian away. He busied himself with decorating the homes. The origin of the Chinese New Year Festival can be traced back to about 3,500 years ago. Chinese New Year has evolved over a long period of time and its customs have undergone a long development process. A Legend of the Origin of Chinese New Year. Like all traditional festivals in China, Chinese New Year is steeped with stories and myths.
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