Nian was a fierce monster who came to torment humans every New Year. People were powerless to stop its attacks and the creature was free to devour as many of them as he pleased. One day, a wise old man, came to the help of the people and tricked Nian into eating other beasts and monsters instead of humans.
With Nian no longer a threat, and with the other dangerous animals now more than a little scared, people could once again lead peaceful and happy lives.
The old wise man warned the people to adorn their windows and doors with red decorations. Apparently red was the colour Nian feared the most. These red decorations would protect the people from the monster if it came back to trouble them again.
It has been said that Nian did actually return but was scared away by children playing with firecrackers.
Although Nian is unlikely to cause too much trouble at a Chinese New Year party today, red decorations and firecrackers remain an essential part of the colour and fun of the event.
New Year's Day is a time for forgetting any old grudges and creating a feeling of goodwill for the future.
....and despite rumour neither Nian nor "the wise old man" is a member of POL.
The characters in this article are fictitious and the moral to the story should not be misinterpreted in any way.
