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According to Chinese mythology, the nian lives under the sea or in the mountains. The Chinese character nian more usually means "year" or "new year". The earliest written sources that refer to the nian as a creature date to the early 20th century. According to the ancient Chinese legend, in ancient time, there was a ferocious monster named “Nian” with sharp teeth and horns. Secluding itself in the dark sea for a long time, the beast would go onshore by the end of the lunar year and hunt people and livestock. Nian, a mythical beast in Chinese folklore, holds a significant place in the cultural tapestry of China. With its fearsome reputation, Nian is not just a creature of terror but is intricately linked to the celebration of the Lunar New Year. 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 only showed up every New Year's Eve to eat people and livestock in nearby villages. The Nian (年) is a mythical creature in Chinese folklore, best known for its association with the origins of Chinese New Year traditions. According to legend, the Nian is a fierce beast that terrorized villages at the end of each lunar year, prompting the development of rituals and celebrations to ward it off. What Is the Story of Nian the Chinese New Year Dragon? The Intriguing Tale of Nian, the Chinese New Year Beast. Unravel the captivating tale of Nian, a mythical beast that is not a dragon, as often misinterpreted, but rather a fearsome creature from ancient folklore. Explore the captivating connection between dragons and the Nian legend, and how dragon dances became a prominent part of Chinese New Year celebrations. Learn about the symbolism behind these vibrant performances and the role they play in banishing the fearsome Nian from the villages. The Nian is a legendary creature rooted deeply in Chinese mythology, often depicted as a fearsome beast that emerges at the dawn of the Lunar New Year. This mythical entity has become a symbol of fear and tradition, playing a pivotal role in the festivities leading to the New Year celebrations. Have you ever wondered why Chinese people display red items and set off fireworks during the Chinese New Year? Long, long ago in ancient China, there was a fierce beast called “Nian”. Its head looked like a lion with a sharp horn on it which could be used to attack its prey. The first and most well known is the legend of Nian (Year “Nian” as in New Year –”Xin Nian”). There are two versions of the legend of Nian, both include a scary beast with characteristics of a lion, ox, and unicorn, that had a dragon like appearance. "Nian, the Chinese New Year Dragon"Adapted by Virginia Loh-HaganIllustrated by Timothy BanksWhy do people wear red and use firecrackers during the Chinese Ne Virginia Loh-Hagan brings a modern twist on an ancient legend in NIAN, THE CHINESE NEW YEAR DRAGON. When Mei's village is threatened by the return of the fierce, hungry dragon Nian at year's end, a magical warrior appears to her in a dream and gives her a magical staff to help defeat him, but it's up to Mei to figure out how to use it. Beautiful and compelling, Nian, The Chinese New Year Dragon is an excellent story to share during Chinese New Year celebrations and all through the year. The book will excite children to learn more about the holiday and offers many opportunities for home or curricular extensions. Virginia Loh-Hagan brings a modern twist on an ancient legend in NIAN, THE CHINESE NEW YEAR DRAGON. When Mei's village is threatened by the return of the fierce, hungry dragon Nian at year's end, a magical warrior appears to her in a dream and gives her a magical staff to help defeat him, but it's up to Mei to figure out how to use it. He tells Mei that it is her destiny to face and defeat Nian. But she must do it within 15 days or the dragon will be free forever. Author Virginia Loh-Hagan (PoPo’s Lucky Chinese New Year) gives this retelling of the Nian legend an original twist, while explaining the origins of Chinese New Year traditions. He tells Mei that it is her destiny to face and defeat Nian. But she must do it within 15 days or the dragon will be free forever. Author Virginia Loh-Hagan (PoPo's Lucky Chinese New Year) gives this retelling of the Nian legend an original twist, while explaining the origins of Chinese New Year traditions. The Chinese New Year Dragon Nian (Sleeping Bear Press, December 15, 2019) written by Virginia Loh-Hagan with illustrations by Timothy Banks Writing and Illustrating, Kathleen Temean---interview of both creators The traditions observed each Chinese New Year are explained in the legend of the dragon, Nian. In the second activity, they will also learn about the Chinese New Year Dragon Parade and discover why firecrackers are used to drive off evil spirits, especially one called the Nian. In the third activity the students will see images of parading dragons, including sound-enhanced video and read poems about the New Year. He tells Mei that it is her destiny to face and defeat Nian. But she must do it within 15 days or the dragon will be free forever. Author Virginia Loh-Hagan (PoPo’s Lucky Chinese New Year) gives this retelling of the Nian legend an original twist, while explaining the origins of Chinese New Year traditions. The coming Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on 29 January 2025, is ‘the Year of the Snake’ (蛇年 shé nián). It is sometimes poetically referred to as the ‘Year of the Small Dragon’ ( 小龙年 xiǎo l ó ng nián ) in Chinese culture.
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