The story of sticking couplets and playing firecrackers in Chinese New Year

Do you know why we set off firecrackers and post spring couplets during the Spring Festival? It is said that in ancient times There was a fierce and terrifying monster called Nian. Every year when winter comes, it runs into the village. Rampant and肆虐 The villagers were so frightened that they didn't dare to go out the door. Yet still powerless to act Until one day A prophet could not bear the suffering of innocent lives. Revealed the secret of heaven You just need to gather the three seals Form a barrier around the village can completely drive away the female beast Just as the villagers were desperately searching without success, However, something unexpected happened in the village. This night A gust of cold wind blew open the door. The Year Beast silently approached a child's bed. Revealed terrifying claws Suddenly A ray of golden light flashed from the bedside. The Nian monster was so frightened that it fled in panic. Originally It was the light emitted by the copper coins in the red bag. The Nian beast wandered to another household. Not even inside the house yet I just saw a red paper strip pasted on the main gate. Red characters are also pasted on the window. The Year Beast suddenly trembled all over. Ran away in a huff, tearing off the corner in anger. At this moment The villagers fled to escape the Nian beast. They have all rushed into the nearby bamboo grove. The New Year Beast chased from the village into the bamboo grove. The villagers warmed themselves Build a fire on the spot using bamboo. As the beast slowly approached the villagers Hearing the crackling sounds The Year Beast stood upright again. I had no choice but to leave silently. After dawn People discovered that everyone was unharmed. then speculated about last night The copper coin pouch that scares away the Nian beast Red paper strips and the sound of firecrackers the three seals spoken of by the prophet Then Every household in the village had pasted red paper strips. Hung a copper coin purse on the child. Set off firecrackers to scare away the Nian beast From then on, the year beast never entered the house again. To this day It evolved into the custom of posting New Year couplets during the Spring Festival. Give red envelopes (money gifts) Set off firecrackers Stay safe and healthy.