Legend of Nian

Today is 大年三十(New Year’s Eve). In China, it is the most important and cheerful day. Like Christmas in western countries, the reunion dinner has significant meaning to Chinese people since all family members will get together. In addition to family reunion dinner, people stay up all night to celebrate the arrival of new year. After midnight, firecrackers will be set off. You may wonder why Chinese people decorate their house with red couplets, stay up all night and set off firecrackers to celebrate the new year’s arrival? There is a story behind: