According to ancient legend, the noise and excitement of the Chinese New Year began because villagers had to fight a ferocious beast called the Nian. This creature emerged from the sea or the mountains once a year around the New Year to attack people, especially children. The Nian was afraid of the color red and loud noises so, at the next New Year, the villagers donned red robes and set off firecrackers, dispelling the terrible beast who never returned. That was the beginning of the traditions of wearing red and setting off loud explosions and firecrackers as part of the celebration. the beast never returned.  Happy Chinese New Year and may all your beasts stay far away!