Certain rules are observed to ensure a good year:
How “Guo Nian” Came to Pass
Guo nian literally means “to pass the New Year.” But according to legend, the Spring Festival also derives its name from a bloodthirsty monster of antiquity named nian. Various stories explain how nian was killed, driven out of the village, or frightened away—giving rise to the colloquial meaning of the phrase “guo nian”: to “survive the nian monster.”
- Since what happens on this day is supposed to be a harbinger
of what lies ahead for the whole year, it is forbidden to talk
about death, monetary loans, and other worldly sources of stress,
including last year’s troubles.
- Just before the Spring Festival begins, the house must be
swept completely clean to get rid of all of last year’s
bad fortune. Sweeping during the actual New Year holiday, however,
runs the risk of sweeping away the incoming good fortune, so
timing is essential.
- The use of scissors and knives is forbidden to avoid cutting short one’s fortune.
How “Guo Nian” Came to Pass
Guo nian literally means “to pass the New Year.” But according to legend, the Spring Festival also derives its name from a bloodthirsty monster of antiquity named nian. Various stories explain how nian was killed, driven out of the village, or frightened away—giving rise to the colloquial meaning of the phrase “guo nian”: to “survive the nian monster.”