According to ancient Chinese legend, there is a very fierce, long-headed, sharp-horned man-eating predatory beast called Nian. Nian lived deep in the sea all year long, but every Chinese New Year he devoured livestock and landed to harm the people of nearby villages. Therefore, every Chinese New Year, all the villagers, young and old, took them deep into the mountains and hid from Nian.
A white-haired man appeared in the village during the Chinese New Year. He asked for permission to spend the night and promised everyone to drive away the beast. No one believed him. In addition, the old man categorically refused to go to the mountains to hide. Seeing that he couldn't convince him, the villagers left without him.
As usual, when the beast arrived in the village and caused havoc, he encountered a sudden bang with a firecracker exploding. Surprised by the noise, flashes, and red flags flying around, it hurriedly turned around and ran away!
The next day, when people returned from the mountains, they found the village intact and safe. The old man died, but they found the wreckage of three valuable items he used to ward off the beast Nian. They all agreed that the old man must be the god who came to help them free the beast.
Since then, on the eve of every Chinese New Year, the family has raised a red flag, rang a firecracker, and turned on the lamps all night to anticipate the Chinese New Year. The custom became widespread and became a grand traditional celebration of "Nian's departure." ("Nian" means "year" in Chinese).
Therefore, celebrating Chinese New Year should be called "passing Nian" or "Guo Nian" in Chinese.
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