Do you know why red is largely used in Lunar New Year decorations?
It is well known that the color red symbolizes fortune and happiness in Lunar New Year. There is no consesus on the origins of the tradition, but it is widely believed to have come from the story of Nian-a monster in Chinese folklore.
In Ancient China, Nian was known to visit villages to attack humans and animals just before New Year. People would flee to the mountains the day before to avoid him. However one day a brave man stayed behind and realizing that the monster was afraid of the colour red and of lots of noise, stuck red papers on his door and set off firecrackers. By doing this he chased the monster away and from then on people started to hang red items on their doors and set off firecrackers and banging drums to ward off the monster. These customs remained and become the red festive decorations and celebrations we see today.
Stay tuned for our update on Lunar New Year tomorrow!
