The Chinese word for “year” has a fascinating origin story. Once upon a time, a horrifying monster named Nian came out once a year to eat people.

    When Nian came, people would huddle in their homes and stay up all night. One year, a wise man devised a plan to scare away the monster. He suggested people should light bamboo on fire and make noise to scare Nian. The villagers took his advice and the monster ran away. 

    The next morning, the people congratulated each other for executing the plan effectively. Ever since that day, people have stayed up late, lit firecrackers, and congratulated each other at the dawn of a new year.