For those who are familiar with Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, they know it involves loud noises bright colors and a long celebration. However, very few know the origins and legends that come with this important event.
The Chinese calendar is based on a combination of lunar and solar movements. The lunar cycle is about 29.5 days. In order for them to ‘catch up’ with their solar calendar, they insert an extra month once every few years. That is why the celebration falls on different date each year.
Chinese New Year is a family event that honours the living and the dead. Family members come together to remember their ancestors and wish them fortune in the afterlife.
“Chinese New year comes with so many beautiful traditions and stories,” said Nelson Pang, 12.
One legend that comes with Chinese New Year that originated in Shanghai, tells of a best by the name of ‘Nian’ that terrorized a village by destroying their crops and eating their people.
One day, the villagers noticed that the beast retreated at a little girl wearing the colour red. They painted the buildings in the village red and lit fire crackers to scare away the beast.
“It is like Independence Day but for two weeks,” said Zicheng Zhao, 12.
The traditions still continue to this day and play very important roles in the celebration.

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