The legend of the "Nian" beast
According to legend, in ancient China there was a monster called "Nian" with long tentacles on its head and it was extremely ferocious. "Nian" lives deep on the bottom of the sea all year round, only climbing ashore every New Year's Eve to devour livestock and harm people.
Therefore, every New Year's Eve, people in villages and villages help the old and young to flee to the mountains to avoid the harm of the "Nian" beast.
On New Year's Eve this year, people in Taohua Village were helping the elderly and young to take refuge in the mountains. An old man begging came from outside the village. He was holding a cane, a bag on his arm, a silver beard flowing, and eyes like Long star.
Some of the villagers sealed their windows and doors, some packed their bags, and some drove their cattle and sheep. People everywhere shouted and horses neighed, creating a scene of panic and panic. At this time, who still has the heart to take care of this old man begging.
Only an old woman in the east of the village gave the old man some food and advised him to go up the mountain quickly to avoid the "Nian" beast. The old man stroked his beard and said with a smile: "If my mother-in-law lets me stay at home all night, I will definitely take care of him." The "Nian" beast drove him away.
The old woman looked closely and saw that he was a boy with fair hair and a strong spirit. However, she continued to persuade him, but the old man smiled and said nothing, so she had no choice but to leave the house. , went up the mountain to seek refuge.
In the middle of the night, the "Nian" beast broke into the village. It found that the atmosphere in the village was different from previous years: the old woman's house at the east end of the village had a big red paper on the door, and the house was brightly lit with "Nian". "The beast trembled all over and let out a strange cry.
"Nian" glared at her mother-in-law's house for a moment, then screamed and rushed over. As she approached the door, there was a sudden "bang bang bang bang" explosion in the courtyard. The sound made "Nian" tremble all over, and he didn't dare to move forward.
It turned out that "Nian" was most afraid of red, fire and explosions. At this time, the door of the mother-in-law's house was opened wide, and only one person was seen in the courtyard. The old man in red robe laughed. "Nian" was shocked and ran away in panic.
The next day was the first day of the first lunar month. The people who had returned from the refuge were surprised to see that the village was safe. The old woman suddenly realized it and hurriedly told the villagers about the beggar's promise.
The villagers rushed to the old woman's house. They saw red paper on the door of her house and a pile of unburned bamboo in the yard. After the bang, a few red candles in the house were still glowing...
To celebrate the auspicious arrival, the overjoyed villagers put on new clothes and hats one after another, visiting relatives and friends. The news spread quickly in the surrounding villages, and everyone knew how to drive away the "Nian" beast.
From then on, every New Year's Eve, every household posted red couplets and set off firecrackers. The candles are brightly lit and people watch the New Year's Eve. Early in the morning on the first day of the Lunar New Year, people visit relatives and friends to say hello. This custom has become more and more popular and has become the most solemn traditional festival in China.
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