Lunar New Year

Hello there. My name is Nian. I am a big, sleepy monster with soft fur and a very, very grumbly tummy. Most of the year, I sleep in my cozy cave high in the mountains. It is quiet and dark, and I have long, wonderful dreams. But once every year, right when the air got cold, I would wake up. And oh, my tummy would rumble so loudly. RUMBLE. RUMBLE. GRUMBLE. That meant it was time to find some yummy food. I would stretch my big monster paws, wiggle my nose, and tiptoe down the mountain path to the little villages below. I was always so hungry after my long, long nap.

But one year, everything was different. As I got close to the village, I saw something that made my fur stand up. It was the color red. It was on the doors. It was on the clothes people were wearing. I do not like the color red. Then, I saw bright, glowing lights hanging everywhere. They were so bright they hurt my sleepy monster eyes. Worst of all was the noise. BANG. POP. BANG. It was so loud. I covered my big ears with my paws. I was so scared of the bright red, the bright lights, and the big loud sounds. I turned right around and ran as fast as I could back to my safe, quiet cave in the mountains. I hid under my blanket until it was all quiet again.

Now I know better. I learned that the people were not trying to scare me. They were having a big, happy party. It is called the Lunar New Year. The bright red things and loud noises are to celebrate a fresh start. Families get together to eat yummy dumplings and wish for a good year. I am not scared anymore. When I hear the loud sounds, I just wiggle my toes and know everyone is happy. So, Happy New Year to you. Now, it is time for my nap again. Zzzzz.