nian (mythology)
A Nian is a mythological Chinese beast that lives under the sea or in the mountains. Once each spring, around Chinese New Year, it comes out of hiding to attack people, destroy crops and eat animals and children. People have discovered its fear of loud noises, fire, and the colour red. Many Chinese New Year traditions, such as lion dance, blowing up firecrackers and wearing and decorating with red are said to have originated from the legend of the Nian, and the practice of scaring it away.
