The origin of Chinese New Year's auspicious Beast
According to Chinese mythology, every Chinese New Year's Eve, a beast known as Nian would come out from hiding to prey on livestock and villagers. The monster was immune to weapons and had an insatiable appetite for human flesh. Over the centuries, people learned to cope with this fearsome creature and developed ways to fend it off.
The Birth of the Year's beast
According to legend, Nian was born in the deep mountain forest and learned how to hunt and kill from his mother. As he grew bigger and stronger, he became more and more feared by the local villagers. To survive the ferocity of this monster, people invented a variety of ways to ward off Nian, such as using fireworks and lightning, which would confuse and disorient him. They also learned that Nian had a weakness for the color red, so red lanterns and banners were hung to keep him at bay. Over time, these customs evolved into the traditions still practiced today during the Chinese New Year.
Year's beast becomes the Guardian of the city
Over time, the power of Nian became legendary, and the creature himself became a character in Chinese folklore. Some people even began to see him in a different light, as a protector of the city. This idea was inspired by the story of a monk who saw Nian attacking a village and decided to confront the beast. The monk managed to subdue Nian and found out that he only attacked when he was hungry. From that point on, the monk and Nian lived together and the monster became the guardian of the city.
Today, the Chinese New Year's beast is still an essential part of celebrating the Lunar New Year. New Year's Day heralds the arrival of the auspicious Year's beast, and people decorate their homes with red banners and lanterns to welcome him and ward off bad luck. The beast has become a symbol of good fortune and well-being, and the customs associated with the creature continue to evolve and flourish.
