This Lunar New Year begins on January 29. 2025 brings the Year of the Wood Snake, symbolizing introspection, wisdom and renewal, and offering opportunities for growth and change. This year, we are highlighting how some Lunar New Year traditions came to be.
The legend of Nian
According to one version of the Chinese legend, Nian was a ferocious monster with sharp teeth and horns, living in the deep, dark sea. At the end of every lunar year, the beast would come ashore and hunt people and livestock, wreaking havoc in the villages. Before New Year’s Eve, the villagers would escape to remote mountains to avoid Nian’s attacks.
One year, an old man visited the village and refused to hide in the mountains, promising to expel the monster. He lit many candles in the house, burned bamboo to make loud cracking sounds and pasted the doors and windows with red papers. When the villagers returned, they found the village unharmed. They continued these practices every year to scare the monster away. They also dressed in new clothes and visited neighbours to celebrate their triumph.
The traditions of lighting lanterns and fireworks or firecrackers, hanging red decorations, dressing in new clothes and visiting loved ones are still observed today by various East Asian and Southeast Asian communities to ward off evil, invite good luck and welcome the new year. Each country also has its own unique history and cultural traditions, but all share the core values of family, food and wishes for good health, happiness and fortune in the new year.
