The Origin and Legend of Chinese New Year's Eve
Chinese New Year's Eve, also known as Chuxi, is the most important day in the Chinese lunar calendar, marking the end of the old year and the beginning of the new one. It has a long history and is accompanied by various legends and customs.
**Origin:**
The origin of Chinese New Year's Eve can be traced back to ancient times. One of the most widely accepted theories is that it dates back to the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC), when people believed that gods and spirits would descend to the human world during this time to inspect their behavior. Therefore, people would perform rituals and offer sacrifices to deities and ancestors to seek their blessings and protection.
Another theory suggests that the custom of celebrating Chinese New Year's Eve started during the Spring and Autumn period (770-476 BC). It was believed that during this time, the spirits of the deceased would return to their homes for a visit. To welcome these spirits, families would clean their homes, prepare special foods, and set up altars to honor their ancestors.
**Legends:**
There are several legends associated with Chinese New Year's Eve:
1. **Nian Legend:** The most famous legend is about a mythical creature called "Nian," which is often translated as "Year." Nian was said to be a fearsome beast that attacked people and livestock on New Year's Eve. To protect themselves, people would light fires, hang red lanterns, and set off fireworks to scare away the beast. It is believed that Nian fears the color red, loud noises, and the light from fire. Over time, these became traditional customs to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
2. **The God of Wealth:** In some regions, people believe that Chinese New Year's Eve is the birthday of the God of Wealth, who brings prosperity and fortune to those who honor him. To celebrate, people will decorate their homes with red lanterns, couplets, and other auspicious symbols.
3. **The Great Dragon's Marriage:** In some areas of China, there is a legend that the Great Dragon, who represents the power of the heavens, marries a dragon princess from the sea. Chinese New Year's Eve is the day of their wedding, and people celebrate by lighting fireworks and setting off firecrackers to ensure a peaceful marriage.
**Customs:**
On Chinese New Year's Eve, families gather together to celebrate with various customs, including:
- **Reunion Dinner:** It is a traditional practice for families to have a big dinner together to mark the beginning of the New Year. This dinner usually includes a variety of foods, symbolizing good luck, prosperity, and happiness.
- **Cleaning the House:** People clean their homes thoroughly to sweep away bad luck and make way for good fortune in the new year.
- **Offerings to Ancestors:** Families set up altars with offerings such as incense, fruit, and food to honor their ancestors and seek their blessings.
- **Fireworks and Firecrackers:** Fireworks and firecrackers are set off to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck.
Chinese New Year's Eve is a time for families to come together, celebrate their heritage, and look forward to a prosperous and happy new year.
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