The Story of Nian and Chinese New Year

Watch the story of Nian and learn why people wear red, light firecrackers and bang drums to celebrate Chinese New Year.

Once Upon a time, there was a monster called Nian with long, sharp teeth and giant claws.

At the end of the Lunar New Year, Nian would go to the villages to hunt for food. Nian liked to eat anything he could lay his claws on and ruin people’s homes and crops. People feared Nian and would hide in the mountains and they wouldn't return to their village until Nian had left!

One day, an old man came down from the mountains and he told the villagers that Nian was afraid of three things: Loud noises, the colour red and bright lights.

So, on Nian’s next visit, people banged drums, wore the colour red and lit fireworks to scare Nian away and he never came back.

Each year, Nian’s defeat is celebrated by making loud noises, wearing red and letting off fireworks.

What is Lunar New Year? Find out with JoJo and Gran Gran what it is and how it is celebrated!

Make some noise with a DIY rattle drum from CBeebies House.

Watch this beautiful animation celebrating Lunar New Year.

Find out how Abbie and her family prepare for Chinese and Lunar New Year and how they celebrate together.

Join JoJo & Gran Gran for a special Gran Gran plan as they make their own Lunar New Year card.

Find more puzzles and quizzes about Chinese and Lunar New Year.