過年 (Guò Nián)

Eunice Wong

I grew up with the folktale of the monster Nian's defeat.

Many centuries ago, this monster would steal children from villages, every year on the day before the new year. Eventually, the villagers discovered that it was scared of the colour red and of loud noises. They wrote blessings on red paper, decorated their houses with faichuns and chunlians, gave out hongbao to their children as a form of protection, and created loud noises with firecrackers and lion dance performances to drive away the monster. Ever since, the Agricultural New Year has symbolised hope and new beginnings.

This folktale is a cultural blueprint that transforms fear into a collective spirit of resilience that pervades the Chinese community today–even after all these years, the tale illustrates how an appreciation of Chinese identity serves as a pivotal force in achieving social harmony. The colour red exerts a unifying force, establishing collective unity and a lasting sense of belonging as a symbolic beacon and lucky charm. Beloved historical figures, such as JiGong and the lions, each represent different blessings that Chinese communities cherish: wisdom, compassion and protection against evil spirits. 過年 (Guò Nián) documents the way that incorporating all these elements into the celebrations abroad helps diaspora communities stay connected to their heritage, cultivating belonging and continuity across generations.

About The Artist

Eunice Wong

I am a creative and enthusiastic photographer with a passion for capturing meaningful moments. I have a natural eye for candid details, allowing me to tell authentic and engaging visual stories.
Driven by curiosity and a love for exploration, I strive to document experiences in a way that feels both genuine and memorable. I am excited to continue growing my skills while creating images that resonate, preserve moments, and bring stories to life through the lens.

Return to Thesis Projects
Scroll to Top