Happy Chinese New Year!! In honor of the new year, I give you….
NIAN
According to Chinese legend, Nian was a monster. Some say he came from the sea. Others say he came from the mountains. Most of the year, he slept. But on the eve of the lunar new year, Nian woke and terrorized the country, eating everything in sight. At last, a wise old beggar (who may have been a monk or a spirit in disguise) figured out how to frighten away Nian. He taught the villagers his methods and since then, Nian has not returned. Here are two videos showing different versions of the legend. The first one is the traditional legend. The second puts a new spin on it. Watch them and find out what scares Nian away!
