Chinese New Year is by far the most important holiday in the Middle Kingdom's calendar, followed by the Mid-Autumn Festival, National Day and the NBA Finals. Coincidentally, or not, as the Gregorian calendar sent the world into over-hyped frenzy over the millennium earlier this month, the Chinese lunar calendar will mark the Year of the Dragon, the most powerful animal symbol in the Chinese zodiac. The only mythical creature among 12 signs, the dragon is revered by the Chinese for its magnificence and magical powers. In contrast to the fire-breathing menace of Western mythology, Chinese dragons are believed to be benevolent creatures who live in the heavens and command the wind, rain, thunder and lightning. Traditionally, the Year of the Dragon is seen as a period of great potential, auspicious events and dramatic change.
Endless legends surround the origins of the New Year festival.
In one version of the story, an immortal god persuaded the Nian to prey on other animals in the kingdom and leave the humans be. Not trusting the beast, however, the god instructed men and women to burn bamboo to keep the monster at bay. He also advised hanging red paper decorations in windows and doorways since red was the color the Nian feared most. The popping sound of burning bamboo was later replicated each year with the cacophony of exploding firecrackers. According to another legend, one day a scorned and embittered household deity journeyed to Heaven to ask the Jade Emperor to destroy the world.