When did the custom of New Year in China begin?

The custom of New Year in China began in ancient times and can be traced back to the Shang and Zhou Dynasties thousands of years ago. However, the China New Year really became popular in the Han Dynasty. Han Dynasty is one of the most glorious periods in the history of China, and it is also a crucial period for the formation of New Year customs in China.

The origin of China New Year is related to legends. It is said that there was a fierce monster called Nian in ancient times. It appears on New Year's Eve every year, attacking villages and devouring villagers and livestock. Later, people found that Nian was afraid of red, fire and noise, so they began to put up red paper and set off firecrackers on New Year's Eve to drive Nian away.

With the passage of time, these customs gradually evolved into the tradition of China New Year. Nowadays, China's New Year customs include posting Spring Festival couplets, stick grilles, setting off firecrackers, performing dragon and lion dances, reuniting relatives and friends, paying New Year greetings and enjoying lanterns. These customs mean praying for blessings, exorcising evil spirits and welcoming the Spring Festival.

Here are some pictures related to China New Year:

! [Spring Festival couplets] (/Spring Festival couplets. jpg)

! [Dragon and lion] (/Dragon and lion. jpg)

! [Lantern] (/Lantern.jpg)

Through these traditional customs and activities, China people celebrate the New Year, pray for good luck and family reunion, and wish a bumper harvest and prosperity in a year.