Tracing 3,000 Years of Lunar New Year: From Agricultural Roots to Legendary Traditions

The origins of Lunar New Year can be traced back over 3,000 years to China's Shang Dynasty, where it began as an agricultural festival celebrating the end of winter and the start of spring. The date of the festival is determined by the lunar calendar, typically falling between January 21 and February 20. Over time, the celebration incorporated various legends, most notably the story of "Nian," a mythical beast driven away by loud noises, bright lights, and the color red.