Customs and reasons of Spring Festival

It is said that in ancient times, there was a monster called Nian, which was very fierce. Nian usually lives in the depths of the sea, and only goes ashore on New Year's Eve every year, which will hurt people's lives. So every new year's eve, every family will flee to the mountains. One year on New Year's Eve, an old beggar came to the village. An old woman saw his pity and gave him some food, but the old man smiled and said, "If my mother-in-law lets me stay at home for one night, I will drive Nian beast away." Nian beast broke into the village in the middle of the night and saw red paper on the door of the old woman's house. Nian beast shouted when he saw it. At this time, there was a sudden explosion in the hospital. Nian beast was too scared to approach.

Just then, the old woman's door was wide open and the old man was laughing. "Nian" was frightened to disgrace and fled in confusion. The next day, the refugees returned to the village and were very surprised to find that there was no sign of destruction in the village. At this time, the old woman realized that it was the credit of the old man, so she quickly told the villagers about the promise of begging the old man. Since then, every year on New Year's Eve, every household will put up red couplets, set off firecrackers and drive away Nian animals.