The Origin of Chinese New Year's Eve Dinner

Chinese New Year's Eve Dinner, also known as the 'reunion dinner,' is a significant tradition that has been celebrated in China for over 2,000 years. The origins of this important event can be traced back to ancient Chinese mythology.

According to legend, there was once a terrifying monster named Nian that lived in the mountains and would come down to the villages to prey on people and their livestock on New Year's Eve. The villagers were terrified and had no way to defend themselves against the monster. One year, an old man with a long white beard came to the village and told the people that he could help them defeat Nian.

The old man advised the villagers to put up red decorations, wear red clothes, and set off firecrackers to scare away the monster. The villagers followed the old man's advice, and Nian was driven away by the loud noises and bright colors. From that day forward, the villagers celebrated their victory by gathering together on New Year's Eve for a big feast and to share their stories and experiences.

Over time, the tradition of the New Year's Eve Dinner has evolved, but the underlying meaning has remained the same: to bring families together and celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another. Today, the dinner is a time for families to gather and share a meal, exchange gifts, and wish each other good fortune and prosperity for the upcoming year.

In conclusion, the Chinese New Year's Eve Dinner is a time-honored tradition that has been celebrated for centuries. While the legend of Nian may have faded into history, the spirit of family togetherness and celebration lives on in this important annual event.