All these Chinese New Year rituals, how did they begin?

Get to know one of the legends that started it all


At a glance

  • On the last day of the lunar year, Nian is known for going on a total rampage, hungry for livestock. Any unfortunate humans that cross its path are also devoured.


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A BRIGHT CELEBRATION People flock to Binondo in Manila on Friday, Feb. 9, during the eve of Chinese Lunar New Year, to participate in the celebrations of the upcoming Year of the Wooden Dragon. (📸Arnold Quizol/MB)

While Chinese New Year is a timeless tradition celebrated far and wide, not much is known about its origins. Based on the earliest records historians can gather, it is assumed that the celebration began sometime during the Shang Dynasty (1600 - 1046 BC). Sacrificial ceremonies were often held at the start of the year to pay respect to their gods and ancestors at the beginning or end of each year. 

But perhaps one of the more interesting stories about its origin is that of the legendary beast known as Nian. Nian is a fierce beast from Ancient China that lives at the bottom of the sea. When translated, Nian means “year.” This beast had the head of a lion with a long horn protruding from the top that was used to attack its prey. On the last day of the lunar year, Nian would go on a total rampage, hungry for livestock. Any unfortunate humans that crossed its
path would be devoured.
 

In fear, villagers locked up their livestock to keep them safe from Nian before fleeing to the mountains. This became a yearly routine until one day, an old man claimed he had the solution to stop Nian’s wrath.

 

Not wanting to take their chances, the villagers carried on with the usual routine of locking up the livestock and fleeing. The old man, however, stayed and waited for the beast. As soon as Nian showed up, the old man set
off fireworks to startle the creature. Alarmed by the loud noises and the bright lights, Nian dared not to take another step forward. While dressed in red, the old man advanced toward the beast. Nian, startled and scared, ran off and went back to the bottom of the ocean.
 

After the villagers returned to find their livestock unharmed, they asked the old man how he managed to send Nian off. He revealed there were only three secrets to keeping the beast away. Loud noises, bright lights, and the color red.
 

Moving forward, villagers started to observe the traditional practices we notice today. They would hang up red lanterns, dress in red, set off fireworks, make loud noises, and keep the lights on throughout the night. Some point out that it was this tale about Nian that also inspired the lion dance.