> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://beastnian.gitbook.io/whitepaper/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://beastnian.gitbook.io/whitepaper/backstory.md).

# Backstory

The Nian beast is also known as “Xi”. It is an evil beast in ancient Chinese myths and legends. 

Legend has it that in ancient times, at the midnight of each year, the Nian beast would attack the village, and every village occupied by the Nian beast would be brutally slaughtered, with the horns on its head as weapons. 

People take advantage of Nian’s three weaknesses, setting off firecrackers (which would scare nian) and pasting Spring Festival couplets to drive away Nian’s attacks. In order to prevent the harassment of Nian Beast, firecrackers and Spring Festival couplets have gradually become festival customs, and the Spring Festival has become one of the symbols of the Chinese nation.

![](https://2853174901-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FBI36q5ceGRV8QPwxon2G%2Fuploads%2FwAf2DPDE58FiLw3opDMb%2F%E6%96%B0%E5%9B%BE%E7%BD%91_%E7%A5%9E%E8%AF%9D%E5%B9%B4%E5%85%BD_ixintu.com.png?alt=media\&token=f4e1da28-453e-4111-a3db-fc6eb268a6aa)