The Nian (年兽) is a legendary creature from Chinese folklore, closely associated with the origins of Chinese New Year traditions. AV1ieugM3874r3NctbqewkYqN3MdLHmoGo7ZkT3Upump According to ancient stories, Nian was a fearsome beast that lived deep in the mountains or under the sea. Once a year—on New Year’s Eve—it would emerge to attack villages, destroying crops, livestock, and sometimes harming people. Its arrival symbolized chaos, fear, and the hardships of the old year.