The tradition of 守岁 is deeply embedded in Chinese folklore. The most famous story involves a fearsome monster named 年 (Nián), who would emerge on the last night of the year to terrorize villages. People discovered that the monster was afraid of the color red, loud noises, and bright lights. So, they would paste red paper on their doors, light lanterns, set off firecrackers, and stay awake all night to keep watch and scare the beast away. While the belief in the monster has faded, the tradition of 守岁 remains a central part of the New Year celebration. Its modern significance has evolved to focus on:
Comparison to Western Culture: The closest Western equivalent is staying up until midnight on December 31st to watch the ball drop. However, the feeling is quite different. The Western tradition is often a public party or a social event with friends, culminating in a single moment (midnight). In contrast, 守岁 is fundamentally a family activity that lasts the entire evening and night. It's less about a countdown and more about a sustained, cozy, and meaningful “vigil” at home.
In modern China, 守岁 is a universally understood and practiced tradition. Here's how it plays out: