Nian began hunting people and animals and destroying their homes.

年開始獵殺人和動物，破壞眾生家園。

It was utter chaos.

百姓陷入水深火熱。

People had no idea how to protect themselves from the beast.

人們不知該如何抵禦兇猛的神獸。

Eventually, they discovered that Nian was afraid of loud noises, fire, and the color red.

最後，他們發現「年」十分害怕響聲、火和紅色。

So from then on, before New Year's Day, people would post red couplets, which contain blessings and wishes they have for the New year, on the front of their houses.

是以，從那時起，人們就會在除夕夜於自家門前貼上紅色對聯，寫著新一年的祝願與祈望。

They would also light loud and bright firecrackers and hang lanterns to scare the beast away just in case he was still around.

人們也會燃響鞭炮、掛上燈籠，嚇跑年獸，以免牠還在附近。

Did you know that this story actually tells us the legend of how Chinese New Year began?

知道嗎？這個故事其實是中國新年起源的傳說。

Chinese New Year.

中國新年。

Also known as Lunar New Year is a festival celebrated every year by Chinese communities worldwide.

又稱農曆新年，是全世界華人每年慶祝的節日。

From Hong kong to London and Sydney to san Francisco.

從香港到倫敦，從雪梨到舊金山。

It is a very important festival to Chinese people because they believe that a good start to the year will lead to a lucky and prosperous year.

對華人來說，這是個非常重要的節日，因為他們相信，開年好，來年吉祥如意。

Chinese New Year starts on the very first day of the lunar calendar.

中國新年始於農曆第一天。

This day usually falls in January or February.

這一天通常落在 1 月或 2 月。

Like a lot of celebrations around the world and in different cultures, there are special traditions that are observed during Chinese New Year.

與世界各地，不同文化中的許多慶祝活動一樣，農曆新年也有些特殊傳統。

One of the most obvious traditions is the use of the color red.

最顯眼的傳統之一就是使用紅色。

This is because red represents good fortune and happiness.

這是因為紅色代表好運和福氣。

That is why you'll see lots of red decorations such as lanterns and couplets hanging around streets, buildings, and in houses as well.

這就是為什麼很多裝飾品都是紅色的，如掛在街上、建築和家中的燈籠及對聯。

One of the exciting parts of Chinese New Year are all the red envelopes.

一個中國新年令人期待的部分就是紅包。

These envelopes have money inside and are given to Children by married adults, which bless them with a peaceful new year.

紅包裡裝的是錢，已婚成年人會發給孩子們，祝他們在新的一年裡平安無事。

Firecrackers are also set off to sound out the old year and welcome in a better new year.

人們也會放鞭炮，除舊佈新，迎接更好的一年。

Are they loud?

很大聲吧？

Chinese New Year is an important time for families to be together.

中國新年是闔家團圓的重要時刻。

People come home from all around the world to celebrate the festival with their families.

人們從世界各地返家，團聚過節。

On Chinese New Year's Eve, families sit together at round tables for a reunion dinner and enjoy a feast.

除夕夜，家人們會圍坐在圓桌吃團圓飯，享受盛宴。

Some foods are extra popular at this time because their names or appearances carry positive symbolic meanings.

在這個時節，有些食物因其名或外表的象徵意喻而格外受歡迎。

These foods include dumplings, mandarins and rice balls. Yum!

包括餃子、柑橘和湯圓，好吃！

During Chinese New Year, you can say, 新年快樂 萬事如意, which means "Happy new year! May all your wishes be fulfilled!"

春節期間，你可以說「新年快樂 萬事如意」，意喻新年快樂，願你所有願望都能實現。

Everyone celebrates special days in their own way.

每個人都以自己的方式慶祝特殊節日。

Different people have different traditions that they enjoy during their festivals, and these are just some of the common ones seen during Chinese New Year.

人們在節日期間各有不同慶祝傳統，而上述只是農曆新年期間常見的一些習俗。