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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 (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. 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. Let's delve into the numbers, particularly the surge in “dragon babies”. In 2024, during the Year of the Dragon, China witnessed a 5.7% year-on-year increase in births, with South Korea seeing a 3% rise. These spikes are noteworthy, considering both nations are grappling with declining birth rates. 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 II. The Myth of the Nian. The legend of the Nian dates back thousands of years and is deeply embedded in Chinese cultural history. According to folklore, the Nian is said to emerge from its underwater lair once a year, specifically on the eve of the New Year, to terrorize villages and feast on livestock and even people. 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. The myth that inspired firecrackers and the color red for Chinese New Year This is the tale of a creature that is inseparable from Chinese New Year, and that inspired some of its most basic customsno, not the 12 zodiac animals , but the monster literally known as 年 (nián, year). On the evening before the New Year, Nián would ascend from the water. According to Chinese New Year myths, Nián would terrorise villages and feast on animals and humans. Villagers would run to the mountains and seek temporary shelter in order to steer clear of Nián. One New Year’s Eve, a beggar came to the village to seek sanctuary. 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 The Role of Ancestors and Family in New Year Myths. Respect for ancestors is a cornerstone of Chinese culture, and this reverence is especially pronounced during the New Year. Myths surrounding ancestor worship highlight the importance of honoring those who came before us. Family reunions during the New Year are steeped in mythological Furthermore, the traditions born from this myth serve as a reminder of hope and the promise of new beginnings as families gather to celebrate the Lunar New Year. VII. Nian in Contemporary Celebrations. Today, the story of Nian continues to resonate in Chinese New Year festivities around the world. To celebrate the occasion, find out the myth behind the many animals of the Chinese Zodiac: The myth behind the Chinese Zodiac | Happy Lunar New Year! In Western astrology, it's a constellation determined by when your birthday falls in the calendar. Chinese New Year: More than Just a Celebration. Chinese New Year is a vivid and dynamic celebration, enriched by the presence of the Nian. Its legend serves as a reminder of the resilience and unity of the community. So, as we welcome the Chinese New Year, remember the Nian, and the customs formed to keep this fearsome beast at bay. II. The Myth of the Nian. The legend of the Nian dates back thousands of years and is deeply embedded in Chinese cultural history. According to folklore, the Nian is said to emerge from its underwater lair once a year, specifically on the eve of the New Year, to terrorize villages and feast on livestock and even people. Chinese New Year celebrations were born out of fear and myth. Legend spoke of the wild beast Nian (which also is the word for “year”) that appeared at the end of each year, attacking and Chinese zodiac, annual classification system in Chinese culture following the Chinese lunar calendar yingyang li (literally, “heaven-earth”) in which each year in a 12-year cycle is assigned an animal and each animal is associated with a personality that typifies the year and those born during that year. The cycle changes to a new animal What’s your sign? In Western astrology, it’s a constellation determined by when your birthday falls in the calendar. But according to the Chinese zodiac (生肖), it’s your shuxiang, meaning the animal assigned to your birth year. And of the many myths explaining these animal signs and their arrangement, the most enduring one is that of The Great Race. Megan Campisi and Pen-Pen Chen Chinese New Year is filled with traditions—fireworks, lanterns, and delightful family meals. Yet beyond these activities lies a rich tapestry of lore, stories, and myths that shape the customs and celebrations of this significant holiday.
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