**The Origin and Legends of Chinese New Year's Eve Customs**
Chinese New Year's Eve, also known as Chuxi, is the last day of the lunar year and marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year celebration. It is a time of family reunions, festive meals, and various traditional customs. Here's an overview of the origins and legends associated with these customs:
**Origins:**
1. **Ancient Aims of驱鬼辟邪 (驱鬼辟邪):** One of the earliest origins of Chinese New Year's Eve is believed to be the ancient practice of驱鬼辟邪 (qū guǐ pì xié), which aimed to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. People would light fires, make loud noises, and perform rituals to scare away evil entities.
2. **Harvest Festival:** In ancient times, the New Year was celebrated when the crops were harvested. The last day of the year was a time to give thanks to the gods for a bountiful harvest and to prepare for the upcoming year.
**Legends:**
1. **Nian (年兽):** One of the most famous legends is about the mythical creature called Nian, a beast that would come out on New Year's Eve to feast on villagers. According to the story, the villagers realized that Nian was afraid of red, loud noises, and the number eight. From then on, they would decorate their homes with red lanterns, set off fireworks, and wear red clothing to scare away Nian and bring good luck for the year.
2. **God of Wealth:** Another popular legend involves the God of Wealth, also known as the God of Fortune or财神 (cáishén). It is believed that on New Year's Eve, the God of Wealth would come to earth to bestow blessings on the people. To attract his attention, families would set up an altar with offerings like fruits, tea, and paper money to burn as an offering to the gods.
**Customs:**
1. **Reunion Dinner:** The most significant tradition on New Year's Eve is the reunion dinner, where families gather to share a feast. The meal often includes dishes symbolizing prosperity, wealth, and good luck, such as dumplings, fish, and nian gao (a sticky rice cake).
2. **Fireworks and Firecrackers:** The night before the New Year, people set off fireworks and firecrackers to ward off evil spirits and bring in good luck. The louder and more colorful the display, the better the luck for the coming year.
3. **Red Decorations:** Red, the color of happiness and prosperity, is prominent in decorations during the New Year's Eve. Homes are adorned with red lanterns, couplets, and paper cuttings that feature auspicious symbols and greetings.
4. **Wearing New Clothes:** It is considered good fortune to wear new clothes on New Year's Eve. It's believed that this will bring new beginnings and prosperity for the year ahead.
5. **Cleaning:** In preparation for the New Year, many families perform a thorough cleaning of their homes to sweep away bad luck and make room for good fortune.
Chinese New Year's Eve customs are rich in symbolism and tradition, reflecting the cultural values and beliefs of the Chinese people. These customs are passed down through generations, ensuring that the spirit of the New Year is celebrated with joy and anticipation for a prosperous future.
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