The Legend of Nian MonsterIn ancient times, there was a monster called"Nian" ("year'") that would come out to eatpeople and animals on the eve of last day oflast lunar month. To avoid the monster'sattack, people would flee to the depth of themountains and call this day "Nian Guan(meaning "the Pass of Nian"). On one of the there came an old beggar in PeacheveBlossom Village, where an old lady gave himsome food and asked him to hide himself inthe mountain to avoid the monster Nian
The Legend of Nian Monster • In ancient times, there was a monster called "Nian" ("year") that would come out to eat people and animals on the eve of last day of last lunar month. To avoid the monster's attack, people would flee to the depth of the mountains and call this day "Nian Guan" (meaning "the Pass of Nian"). On one of the eve, there came an old beggar in Peach Blossom Village, where an old lady gave him some food and asked him to hide himself in the mountain to avoid the monster Nian
The Legend of Nian Monster The old man promised that he could drive themonster away as long as he was put up' for thenight at the old lady's home. Being unable topersuade the old man into hiding in the mountainthe old lady went alone. In the middle of thenight, the monster Nian dashed into the villageHe trembled and cried when he saw the red paperon the door of the old lady's house, which wasbrightlylit. Just as the monster reached theentrance, there came blasting sounds thatprevented him from moving any further
The Legend of Nian Monster • The old man promised that he could drive the monster away as long as he was put up for the night at the old lady's home. Being unable to persuade the old man into hiding in the mountain, the old lady went alone. In the middle of the night, the monster Nian dashed into the village. He trembled and cried when he saw the red paper on the door of the old lady's house, which was brightly lit. Just as the monster reached the entrance, there came blasting sounds that prevented him from moving any further
The Legend of Nian MonsterAt that time, the old man, wearing a redrobe, opened the door and the monsterwas scared away. Actually, the color redfirelight and blasting sounds were thethings the monster feared most. After thatOn every New Year's Eve, everyhousehold would paste red couplets, letoff firecrackers and light candles as wellas stay up the whole night to avoid beingattacked by the monster. This is how thesecustoms came into being
The Legend of Nian Monster • At that time, the old man, wearing a red robe, opened the door and the monster was scared away. Actually, the color red, firelight and blasting sounds were the things the monster feared most. After that, on every New Year's Eve, every household would paste red couplets, let off firecrackers and light candles as well as stay up the whole night to avoid being attacked by the monster. This is how these customs came into being