In ancient times, there was a monster called 'Nian.' It had long horns on its head and was extremely fierce.古时候，有一只叫“年”的怪兽。头长触角，异常凶猛。Nian dwelled deep in the sea all year round, but on the last night of each year, it would crawl ashore. 年兽常年深居海底，一到每年的最后一天晚上就会从海底爬上岸。

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It would come to the village to devour livestock and harm people.来到村里吞食牲口，伤人害命。 Therefore, during the last few days of the year, both adults and children, would collectively flee to the mountains to avoid being harmed by Nian.因此，每到年末这几天，村里的大人小孩就会集体逃往深山，躲避年兽的伤害。

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One year, at the end of the year, an old man with white hair came to the village. 有一年年末，村里来了位白发苍苍的老人。Everyone was busy escaping and ignored the old man. 大家都匆忙逃命，没有人搭理这位老人。Only an old woman kindly advised him to seek refuge in the mountains. 只有一位老婆婆好心劝他到山上避难。

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The old man smiled and said, 'I have a way to drive Nian away.'那老人笑着说：“我有办法将年兽赶走。”Seeing his confident demeanor, the old woman decided to stay behind with a group of brave young people to assist the old man.老婆婆见他一副胸有成竹的样子，便决定和一群勇敢的青年陪老人一起留下。At midnight, Nian broke into the village. 午夜时分，年兽闯进了村子里。

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It noticed that the village looked different from previous years; several households had red paper pasted on their doors, and the houses were brightly lit.它发现村里的气氛与往年不同，好几户人家门上贴着大红纸，屋内烛火通明。Nian shivered all over, let out a strange cry, and cautiously moved forward. 年兽浑身一抖，怪叫了一声，试探着向前走去。

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Suddenly, the sound of firecrackers erupted from several courtyards.忽然几家院内同时传来了噼里啪啦的炸响声。Nian trembled all over and dared not advance further.年兽浑身战栗，再也不敢向前了。At this moment, the old woman's door opened, and an old man dressed in a red robe stood in the courtyard, laughing heartily.这时，婆婆家的大门打开，院内一位身披红袍的老人在哈哈大笑。

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Upon seeing the red color, Nian was terrified and fled in panic.年兽见到大红色，顿时大惊失色，狼狈地逃走了。The next day was the first day of the Lunar New Year. When the people who had taken refuge returned and found the village unharmed, they were very surprised. 第二天是正月初一，避难回来的人们见村里安然无恙十分惊奇。The old woman recounted the events of the previous night to the villagers.这时，老婆婆赶忙向乡亲们述说了昨晚的经历。

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The villagers were overjoyed, and they all put on new clothes and hats, congratulating each other. 乡亲们欣喜若狂，纷纷换新衣，戴新帽，互相道贺。This story quickly spread to surrounding villages, and people learned how to drive away Nian. 这件事很快在周围村里传开了，人们都知道了驱赶年兽的办法。It turned out that Nian was most afraid of firelight, the sound of explosions, and the color red.原来年兽最怕火光、炸响声以及大红色。

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Since then, on the last day of each year, which is now known as New Year's Eve, every household pastes red couplets on their doors, sets off firecrackers, keeps their houses brightly lit, and stays up late to welcome the new year.从此每年的最后一天，也就是现在的除夕，家家都贴红对联、燃放爆竹；户户烛火通明、守更待岁。Early on the first day of the new year, people visit relatives and friends to offer greetings. 初一的一大早，还要走亲串友，道喜问好。

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This custom spread widely and became the most important traditional festival in China.这风俗越传越广，成了中国最隆重的传统节日。 本站仅提供存储服务，所有内容均由用户发布，如发现有害或侵权内容，请点击举报。