Once upon a time, there was a fierce monster named Nian. Nian had sharp horns on its head and lived deep down in the sea. On the eve of the New Year, Nian would come up from sea and eat the villagers. People were so scared that they all would hide in the mountains every New Year’s Eve.

One year, ther came an old man with a long beard. The village was in chaos for everyone was going to rush to the mountain and hide. No one paid any attention to this old man but one kindly grandmother who gave him a little food and told him to leave. “Today is New Year’s Eve and the moster Nian will soon coming. Hurry—go and hide in the mountains!”

But when the old man heard this news, he just smiled and said “Don’t worry, I will stay at your house tonight and I will drive away Nian!” The good—hearted grandmother could not convince him and she left by herself.

At midnight, Nian came to the village. Wagging its horns, it searched the village for someone to eat. When it came to the good-hearted grandmother’s house, it found red paper on the door and every room lit brightly. Seeing this Nian trembled all over with fear. Suddenly, there was the sound of crashing thunder from the courtyard. Nian stepped back several paces. Just then, the door opened. The old man walked out, completely dressed in red. Nian fled at the sight.

People hiding in the mountain were very happy to see that Nian had run away. They went back to the village and asked the old man, “What magic did you use to drive away Nian?” The old man said, “I did not use any magic. I just know that Nian is afraid of red, light,and thunder.So when it saw the red paper and the lights and heard the firecrackers, it just ran away.Next year when it comes again, you can use these things to drive it away.”

Since then, people get together and have a family reunion on New year’s Eve. They put red couplets on the door, wear red clothes, set off firecrackers and keep the house lit up all night long. This custom has spread over the country and become the grandest festival in China.