1.The Story of the Nian Beast: According to legend, in ancient times, on Chinese New Year's Eve, a fierce monster called the Nian Beast would appear, which would eat people and animals in the village. It was later discovered that the Nian Beast was afraid of red, fire, and noise. So people put red paper and lit firecrackers on Chinese New Year's Eve, using these methods to drive away the New Year beasts. Since then, sticking Spring Festival couplets and setting off firecrackers have become Xi for the New Year.
2.The story of the god of the stove: Legend has it that on the 23rd day of the lunar month every year, every household has to worship the king of the stove. The Lord of the Stove is the god who oversees the affairs of the world and the patron saint of the kitchen. Offerings such as sweets, fruits, and pastries are placed in the kitchen to thank the Lord of the Stove for his blessings and to wish for abundant food, peace and happiness in the coming year.
3.The story of the peacock opening: According to legend, in ancient times, an evil dragon attacked and threatened the lives of the villagers. When a kind-hearted peacock heard about it, he decided to help the villagers. On Chinese New Year's Eve, the peacock unfurls its beautiful feathers and emits a colorful glow that scares away the evil dragon. To commemorate this event, people decorate the room with patterns of peacocks made of colored paper or silk during the Chinese New Year.
4.Myths and legends: According to Chinese myths and legends, the Chinese New Year is celebrated to celebrate the repulsion of the Nian Beast, and the main hero of the Nian Beast is a god named "Nian". Legend has it that he could eat people and livestock, so everyone was very scared. However, a young Taoist priest bravely went to confront the Nian Beast and eventually defeated it. Therefore, every Chinese New Year, people celebrate this victory and pray for peace and good luck in the coming year.
5.Hero Prayer: Legend has it that in ancient times, there was a hero named Nian Cake who bravely fought against the Nian Beast in order to save the village from the Nian Beast. Eventually, the rice cake succeeded in repelling the Nian Beast and brought peace and happiness. To commemorate his heroic deeds, people make rice cakes and give them to each other during the Chinese New Year, symbolizing hope that the New Year will be safe and sweet.
6.Reward for good children: It is said that every year on Chinese New Year's Eve, a god descends from the sky to bring gifts and blessings to good children. This immortal is called "Old Man Nian", and he will quietly enter the house, drop down the gifts and leave blessings. Therefore, on the night of Chinese New Year's Eve, the children will clean up their rooms in advance, hoping to be appreciated and rewarded by the old man.
7.Legend of Hung Ming Lantern: In some areas, people will put Hung Ming lanterns to celebrate the New Year. Legend has it that the Kong Ming lantern was invented by the ancient sage Zhuge Liang, who improved the lantern into a lantern that could fly into the sky. It is believed that the lantern will take away misfortune and sickness, and it also symbolizes prayer for happiness and peace.
8.Ancestor worship: During the Chinese New Year, families perform ancestor worship rituals to show respect and gratitude to their ancestors. This tradition stems from China's culture of valuing family lineage and respecting elders. Families would arrange ancestral tablets, burn incense, and place offerings to pray for blessings and shelter from their ancestors.
These stories and legends are all part of the Chinese New Year Xi customs, and are integrated into the Xi customs and beliefs of the Chinese Chinese New Year. By sharing these stories, people can gain a deeper understanding of traditional Chinese culture and values.