Lighting up the Museum

CHINESE NEW YEAR 
SATURDAY 25 JANUARY 2020

Serving as inspiration for the colours of Chinese New Year is the myth of 过年 (Guo Nián). The story tells of a monster named 年 (Nián) who lived at the bottom of the ocean, only coming up once a year, during Chinese New Year, to feast on animals and humans alike. 

Though there are several versions of the myth, the method that chased the monster away were the same. A hero or heroes discover that 年 has a fear of fire, loud noises and the colour red and utilises this knowledge to chase 年 away when it visits – including wearing red clothing, putting up red lanterns and spring scrolls, setting off firecrackers and banging drums.

Many of these practices are ingrained cultural customs of Chinese New Year, which makes the 年 legend such a key character during the annual celebration. In fact, in mandarin, Chinese New Year can also be called 过年 (Guo Nián), which means to “overcome Nián.”

To celebrate and acknowledge the start of the Lunar Year, and these traditions for the Chinese communities across Auckland and beyond, we will light up the Museum in red and gold.

新年快乐！(xīn nián kuài lè)
Happy New Year!