Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, is the most important holiday in China. Rooted in thousands of years of history, it's a time of great celebration, filled with traditions meant to bring good luck for the New Year. But did you know it started as a way to scare off a mythical beast named Nian? This creature was believed to attack people and crops, so the villagers made loud noises with drums and firecrackers to chase it away. Today, people still light firecrackers during this holiday. Chinese New Year doesn't have a set date and can fall between January 21 and February 20. It's determined by the lunar calendar, hence its other name, Lunar New Year. Another fascinating tradition is the Chinese Zodiac. Each year is associated with one of twelve animals. If you were born in the Year of the Rabbit, for instance, you're believed to share some characteristics with this creature, like being calm and responsible. Chinese New Year is a fascinating blend of history, tradition, and myth that defines an important aspect of Chinese culture.