The origin of the Spring Festival is associated with many myths and legend stories. Among them, the most popular one is the story of Monster Nian, which have left many traditions and custom of celebrating the Spring Festival till present.

In Chinese, celebrating a new year is referred to as "Guo Nian", which literally means "Overcome Nian".

In ancient times, there was a ferocious monster called Nian (Year in Chinese) who ate livestock and villagers in the midnight of annual New Year's Eve. Villagers were so scared that they had to hid away to avoid Nian's attack. A wise old man figured out that Nian was afraid of three things: light, the color red, and loud noises. So villagers lit candles in houses, pasted red papers on doors and windows, hung red lanterns, burnt bamboo to make loud cracking sound, beat drums and gongs, and wore red clothes.

In this way, Nian was too afraid to attack this village and it never showed up again. Villagers were so delighted that they visited neighbors to share the joy of the triumph. These activities were maintained and passed down till today as traditions to celebrate the New Year and wish for happiness.

Today, every year on Spring Festival Eve, people paste red spring couplets, set off fireworks, gathering with families and friends, and stay up past midnight to welcome the Spring Festival.