The Legend of the Chinese New Year's Eve's Vigil

Chinese New Year's Eve, also known as Chuxi, is the most important day in the Chinese lunar calendar, as it marks the end of the old year and the beginning of the new one. One of the customs associated with this night is the vigil, where families gather to celebrate and stay awake until the first sunrise of the new year.
The story behind this custom is deeply rooted in ancient Chinese mythology. It revolves around a mythical beast called Nian, which is a giant, fierce creature with a lion's body and dragon's features. Nian would come out every year on the evening of the old year, causing havoc in villages and terrorizing the people.
The villagers soon realized that Nian had specific fears: it was afraid of the color red, loud noises, and fire. To protect themselves, they would hang red lanterns, set off firecrackers, and light fires to ward off the beast. This is how the custom of lighting firecrackers and red decorations during Chinese New Year's Eve originated.
As the years went by, the villagers learned another trick to avoid Nian. They would stay together and keep a vigil, not allowing the Nian to enter their homes. The elders would tell the young children that if they stayed awake all night, the Nian would be scared away.
The most famous legend related to this vigil is about an old man named Zhang Daqian. He was a very wise and brave villager who decided to confront the Nian. One year, he wore red robes, held a red lantern, and carried a bamboo stick with a red cloth at the end. He danced and sang loudly in front of the villagers, frightening the Nian away.
According to the legend, Zhang Daqian's bravery saved the village. From then on, the people celebrated Chinese New Year's Eve by staying awake, keeping the Nian away, and honoring the memory of Zhang Daqian.
Thus, the vigil on Chinese New Year's Eve has become an essential part of the celebration, a symbol of hope, and a way to pay tribute to the brave hero who protected the villagers.
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