Chinese New Year Parades in the USpage 2 / 5
Legend of Nian
Like many New Year's celebrations, the Chinese New Year is marked by fireworks and noise-making. But, just where does this tradition come from?
Nian
According to legend, a fierce, predatory monster named, Nian, would come to villages to devour livestock and people alike on New Year's Eve. Terrified, the villagers fled with their young and old to the mountains. As legend goes, the people fought Nian for many years and learned that they could ward him off with loud noises, like gongs and drums, fire, and the color red. These traditions live on today in the lively parades and thunderous fireworks displays that mark the arrival of Chinese New Year.