https://i.imgur.com/AobRMIB.jpg
Long ago in the mountains, there lived a horrible demon named Nian. Every year, on the first of the year, this beast would slink down into the villages to devour grain, livestock, and steal away wandering children.
So every year the villagers boarded up their houses and cowered in fear on this day, until one year a wise old man visited. "Why do you fear him?" He asked. "He is but one, and you are many. Surely he could not swallow you all."
The villagers did not trust the man's advice, so they remained in their houses, while he remained awake to ride the creature until dawn. That night Nian slunk back to his cave with an empty belly. This went on for several days until the man told the villagers "I cannot protect you forever."
This was no ordinary man. He was a god who had to return to his other duties. So he told them, "This Nian is a fearful beast, easily scared. He fears fire, loud noises, and strange beasts. So hang red signs and burn fires, beat your drums, and make music. Give your children masks to conceal them, and lanterns to light their way. Do this, and he will leave you be."
That was the last year the villagers ever saw Nian for each year they lit up the day and night with fire and noise and paraded through the streets with colorful masks to ward of the demon.
Adapted from the myth of Guo Nian
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OOC
Starting on Friday, February the 16th, something mystical is happening in the Marketplace. As if by magic the streets are transformed and filled with lanterns, dancing lions, food, crafts, and of course: more food.
There will be large firework displays the 16th and 17th, though there will be others available throughout the festival every day.
The festival will conclude on March 2nd with the Lantern Festival (detailed below)
These will be board events only. People can post polyvores, attendance, etc here in this thread. If anyone wants to post their business participating, please feel free! Otherwise assume that the festival will in no way affect you business.
There will be a participation icon https://i.imgur.com/WiGZ2ZO.jpg
Long ago in the mountains, there lived a horrible demon named Nian. Every year, on the first of the year, this beast would slink down into the villages to devour grain, livestock, and steal away wandering children.
So every year the villagers boarded up their houses and cowered in fear on this day, until one year a wise old man visited. "Why do you fear him?" He asked. "He is but one, and you are many. Surely he could not swallow you all."
The villagers did not trust the man's advice, so they remained in their houses, while he remained awake to ride the creature until dawn. That night Nian slunk back to his cave with an empty belly. This went on for several days until the man told the villagers "I cannot protect you forever."
This was no ordinary man. He was a god who had to return to his other duties. So he told them, "This Nian is a fearful beast, easily scared. He fears fire, loud noises, and strange beasts. So hang red signs and burn fires, beat your drums, and make music. Give your children masks to conceal them, and lanterns to light their way. Do this, and he will leave you be."
That was the last year the villagers ever saw Nian for each year they lit up the day and night with fire and noise and paraded through the streets with colorful masks to ward of the demon.
Adapted from the myth of Guo Nian
_________________________________________________
OOC
Starting on Friday, February the 16th, something mystical is happening in the Marketplace. As if by magic the streets are transformed and filled with lanterns, dancing lions, food, crafts, and of course: more food.
There will be large firework displays the 16th and 17th, though there will be others available throughout the festival every day.
The festival will conclude on March 2nd with the Lantern Festival (detailed below)
These will be board events only. People can post polyvores, attendance, etc here in this thread. If anyone wants to post their business participating, please feel free! Otherwise assume that the festival will in no way affect you business.
There will be a participation icon https://i.imgur.com/WiGZ2ZO.jpg