What are the stories of festivals in China?

There are many colorful festivals in China, each with its own unique story. Here are some of the famous stories:

1. Spring Festival: Spring Festival is the most important traditional festival in China, also known as Chinese New Year. There is an old legend about the origin of the Spring Festival, called the "Year" legend. It is said that in ancient times, there was a ferocious beast that appeared every Lunar New Year and ate the people and livestock in the villages. Later, it was discovered that the beast was afraid of the color red, fire and loud noises. So, people put up red paper and lit firecrackers on the night of New Year's Eve to drive away the monster and started the tradition of celebrating the Spring Festival.

2. Mid-Autumn Festival: The Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, and is a time for family reunions and enjoying the moon. There is a famous story about the Mid-Autumn Festival called "Chang'e Runs to the Moon". According to legend, in ancient times, ten suns appeared at the same time, making the earth too dry for cultivation. So the hero Hou Yi shot down nine suns to save people's lives. In order to protect this precious herb, Hou Yi's wife, Chang E, stole the wrong herb and flew to the moon. Every year during the Mid-Autumn Festival, people remember the story of Chang'e and Hou Yi when they enjoy the moon outdoors.

3. Dragon Boat Festival: Dragon Boat Festival is an important traditional Chinese festival, also known as Dragon Boat Festival. There is a famous story about the Dragon Boat Festival called "Qu Yuan Throwing Himself into the River". According to legend, Qu Yuan was a loyal patriot and a great poet during the Warring States period. However, due to political struggles, he was exiled. Eventually, when he heard the news that his country had fallen under the rule of his enemies, he was heartbroken and chose to throw himself into the river. In order to prevent fish and shrimp from eating Qu Yuan's body, people row dragon boats and scatter zongzi (rice dumplings) on the Dragon Boat Festival every year to commemorate his sacrifice.

These festival stories reflect China's rich culture and deep traditions. Celebrating these festivals every year, people pass on and promote Chinese culture through traditional customs and rituals.