Nian

legendary beast

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Last updated

July 21, 2026

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Nian is a legendary beast from Chinese folklore, believed to feast on humans at the start of the new year. To ward off this creature, people traditionally used loud noises, bright lights, and the color red, as Nian was thought to fear these things. This legend is one of the origins of many Lunar New Year traditions, such as lighting firecrackers and decorating with red paper.12

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Lunar New Year
One legend is that of Nian, a hideous beast believed to feast on human flesh on New Year’s day. Because Nian feared the colour red, loud noises, and fire, red paper decorations were pasted to doors, lanterns were burned all night, and firecrackers were lit to frighten the beast away.
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One legend is that of Nian, a hideous beast believed to feast on human flesh on New Year’s day. Because Nian feared the colour red, loud noises, and fire, red paper decorations were pasted to doors, lanterns were burned all night, and firecrackers were lit to frighten the beast away.
Read More