In Chinese mythology, Nian (年兽) is a beast that comes in spring. The Chinese word for year is based on the arrival of this beast. A phrase for Chinese New Year, guo nian (过年) means the passing of the beast. It is believed that it lives under the sea. It came to attack people at the same time of the year. The Chinese tradition of decorating in red, burning fire-crackers, and the lion dance with loud drums and gongs was to scare the beast away.