According to Chinese mythology, Nian (年獸 ) is a great beast that lives under the sea or in the mountains. Once every year at the beginning of Chinese New Year, Nian would come out of its hiding place to terrorize the people of China.
Later, an ancient Taoist monk discovered that the beast was afraid of the color red. Hence, for every Chinese New Year, the villagers put up red lanterns and spring scrolls on their windows and doors; wear red robes; and light up loud firecrackers to scare off Nian.
According to this same myth, Nian was later captured by the ancient Taoist monk, and became his mount. Since then, Nian has learned from his wrongdoing and became one of the 888 Genesis Deities to celebrate our common humanity and maintain peace.
