The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, marks the end of the harvest season. According to legend, villagers long ago would prepare food and set off firecrackers and hang red papers to ward off an ominous beast called Nian. The customs of using firecrackers and red colors originated from an old man who saved a village from Nian by using these methods to frighten it away. Today, the new year is celebrated with greetings wishing for good fortune and a fresh start in the coming year.