Wednesday, February 18, 2015
GIRARD — The Nian was a horrible beast in the night, with the head of a dragon, the body of a giant lion and enormous claws and teeth.
It first wreaked havoc in China about 4,000 years ago at this time of year.
“Stomping on crops, taking away livestock, taking down houses,” said Gene Huang at the Girard Wok, his parents’ restaurant, this afternoon.
“But then once, someone threw a piece of bamboo in the fire, and it exploded,” he explained.
The beast ran away, and so by accident, the Chinese discovered they could chase it off with loud noises.
Guo Nian. New Year. Its literal translation, Huang said, is “cast out the beast.”
Every year though, the beast comes back. So the Chinese chase it away again, about this time, when the Lunar calendar dictates the date. Chinese New Year will always fall sometime in January or February, he said. This year, it is today — the year of the sheep begins.
For the complete story, read Thursday's Vindicator and Vindy.com