Chinese Legends : Nian

This is a very short article, so I will not include a summary section. Enjoy.

From a galaxy far far away...

This legend is like other legends of China with many versions to the story, but I only know the simplest one.

The legend is about a monster called "Nian," who always come down from the mountain (or up from the sea), eating live-stocks and people around New Year. One New Year's Eve, there was a grey haired old man from Peach Blossom Village was passing by the village. When he arrived into town, he knocked on one of the houses and asked to stay for the night.

The old woman was kindly enough to give him some food. After he finished eating, she advised elderly man to hide with her and rest of the village in the forest to avoid the monster. The old man declined and said that he will stay in her house and fight off the monster.

She bided him farewell, and then went into the forest. The monster came that night, and it started to smell out for its meal. The monster started to approach the house of the old man, but when it got near, the creature cried out a scream once it saw a red paper on the door.

The monster, then gently walked toward the door, but as it approached closer to the gate, a loud BANG with bright light came out from the front door. Out of frighten, the monster could not move. At this time, the old man walked out with a red robe; scaring monster and make it ran away.

When it became morning, when villagers came back from the forest and were surprised see everything intact. The woman tried to look for the old man but could not find him. The only things left were a red robe, a red piece of paper, and some C4 explosives. Just kidding, it was a candle.

From that point on, in order to create the bright light and loud noise, the people use firecrackers. People would put some red lantern or calligraphy on the red paper around the house. In addition, people also, put bright red clothes onto children to protect them from bad things.

Food for thought...

Because of this monster, the people use the fiend's name Nian for the word "Year." Sometimes you will hear people said "Guo Nian" or "Nian Guan," which mean, "Pass year."

Thank you for tune in. Hopefully, this article answers some question you may have. From where I am, and wherever you are, have a good night and good luck, everyone.

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