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. There are many Chinese New Year traditions about dos and don'ts. Find out the top 18 things you should not do. Some are taboos on the first day of the Chinese New Year and some are superstitions for the whole New Year Festival season (from the 1st to 15th of the Lunar New Year). 1. Avoid taking medicine. 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: 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. The Chinese New Year holiday also known as Spring Festival starts on the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends with the Lantern Festival which occurs on the fifteenth day of the first month of the Lunar New Year (which is a full moon). The old Chinese word “Nian” translates to “ripe grains.” 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 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). 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 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 Here is a collection of a few popular and interesting Chinese New Year myths. The monster New Year’s eve. In ancient times, there was a monster named Nián. It usually lives at the bottom of the Black Myth: Wukong is preparing to release a Chinese New Year DLC, as expected. It features the "Three Sacred Beasts Gang"—a lion, a hawk, and an elephant—al According to Chinese myth, ‘Nian’ (also known as “Year” in Chinese) is a monster with traits of a lion, unicorn, and ox that resided in the mountains. The beast would come down at the end of the year to ruin the fields, crops, and animals, torment people, and even killed. 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. Myth 1: Chinese New Year is Just One Day. One of the biggest misconceptions about Chinese New Year is that it lasts for only one day. In reality, this auspicious festival spans 15 days, starting on the first day of the lunar calendar and culminating with the Lantern Festival. [8] [9] [10] Chinese New Year has influenced celebrations in other cultures, commonly referred to collectively as Lunar New Year, such as the Losar of Tibet, the Tết of Vietnam, the Seollal of Korea, the Shōgatsu of Japan and the Ryukyu New Year. [11] [12] [13] The Chinese New Year is associated with several myths and customs. Most of us are familiar with the Chinese Zodiac and how it differs from the Western Zodiac. The Chinese system is based on the lunar calendar and assigns an animal to each year within a 12-year cycle. It is said that people born each year receive some of that year’s animal’s reputed attributes. But where does this belief come from? 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. Chinese New Year Customs in the Year of the Snake. Chinese New Year (春节, chūn jié) will begin on January 29, 2025, and celebrations will last until the Lantern Festival (元宵节, yuán xiāo jié) on February 13. Here are some customs to look forward to:
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