BEFORE we call it a day as we welcome the Year of the Wood Snake, allow me to entertain or perhaps indulge you in a story about the Chinese New Year.
Because it is not just about the color red, the festivities and the fireworks, it is also a story about a Monster.
Want to know further? Read on and let’s dive into the story behind the spring festival.
Chinese New Year and The Monster
As the red decorations are being pulled down, and the firecrackers pop the last noise and malt candy consumed, let me take you back a thousand years ago, when the world was simpler, and talk about dragons and monsters being the talk of town for the local “Maritess.”
During the ancient Chinese Times, there was a being named Nián, whom many people believed to be a monster.
Nián resides under the sea and would only come up once a year in order to feed.
The choice of menu for Nián? Animals and humans.
During the Lunar New Year, instead of celebrating, having a festive mood, fear led villagers to escape to the mountains and avoid Nián – a horned beast, which was described as a mix between a dragon and a kirin.
According to folklore, a beggar came to seek shelter, however, he saw everyone was moving opposite his way.
An old woman saw him confused and took him in. He was told of Nián and his appetite for humans and animals.
Grateful for the old woman’s goodness, the beggar promised to chase Nian away.
He then began to decorate the homes.
Come midnight, as with every year, Nian came but stopped when he saw red paper on the doors.
Enraged, Nián roared but was surprised as firecrackers suddenly broke the dark silence and its roars.
Nián trembled in fear and upon seeing the beggar donned in red, ran away.
The next day, as the villagers returned home, they saw their homes untouched.
They saw the beggar sound asleep and woke him up. He then told them what happened.
It was there that they realized that the color red and loud noises were the protection against Nián.
That is why since then, families celebrate and design their houses with the color red, and at midnight, the firecrackers explode.
People also wore red to turn away evil spirits.
So as you don the color red and celebrate with fireworks, always remember it was once used to scare a monster away.
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Till next time keep reading, let your imagination soar and know that we appreciate you.
Banner Photo Courtesy: Alamy
