An old Chinese legend tells the story of Nian, a mythical beast who prowled the villages of China, hunting people and animals alike. Eventually, a wise elder discovered that Nian disliked both fire and the color red, so he hung red lanterns on everyone’s windows and doors. From then on, villagers began to post the classic lanterns alongside two complementary lines of poetry written on red paper, called couplets, on the front of their houses at the beginning of each new year in hopes of manifesting good fortune.

This annual tradition is called Chinese New Year, and this year, on Sunday, Jan. 22, people all over the world began celebrating a joyous 15-day festival full of family bonding and enjoyable activity. In the days leading up to the New Year, families carry out many traditional forms of preparation.

“In the days leading up to Chinese New Year, families will clean their houses,” Lily Yang said in a Youtube video, describing how people prepare for the new year. “In Chinese culture, dust represents old things, so cleaning houses means doing away with the old and preparing for the new. This is called 辞旧迎新.”

Once everything is dust-free, the house is decorated with lucky ornaments such as spring couplets and classic red lanterns.

“The content of the couplet usually conveys people’s best wishes for the new year,” Yang said in her explanation of these decorations’ purpose. “The red lantern is an indispensable decoration for the Chinese new year, as well. People believe that it drives away evil spirits and brings good luck.”

The main highlight of Chinese New Year is the hearty feast that brings families together, even before sitting down at the dinner table. The making of traditional food before the reunion dinner is considered an official family activity.

“Usually, I just get together with my family and some of my family friends,” said Tuscarora High School senior Annie Mercado. “We make stuff like spring rolls and egg drop soup. Remembering our culture and making good food – it makes you feel closer to your heritage.”

For many people, the Chinese New Year presents an opportunity to get together with family, eat good food, and have a great time. It provides a sense of rest after a busy year and is the ideal time to make goals and plans for the future.

“Chinese people use various ways to spend Chinese New Year together,” Lily Yang said in her YouTube video. “At 12 o’clock on Chinese New Year’s Eve, people set off firecrackers and fireworks. With the loud noise and brilliant spark, the new year is coming!”