Every year, as winter's chill clings to the land, the Nian beast awakens from its dark lair to terrorize villages with its hunger. Descriptions of this monster vary: some say it’s as large as an elephant, with fierce claws and teeth that can tear through doors, while others speak of its unsettling, ancient eyes. Yet, despite its strength, the Nian is no match for the power of noise, fire, and the color red. Learn how one clever man used these simple tools to drive the creature back—and how this ancient battle has shaped modern Chinese New Year traditions. The myth, the monster, and the magic of survival all collide in this tale of ingenuity and courage.
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