Though the hideous ogre was as large as an elephant and as vicious as a lion, Nian had its own weaknesses. Nian was frightened by the colour red, bright flashes and loud noises. On the last night of the year, villagers put up red couplets, hung up red lanterns and set off firecrackers to intimidate the terrifying devil. As time passed by, this custom developed into the most significant festival among the Chinese. Over the years, this practice turned to be a holiday tradition which celebrates the overcome of Nian, also commonly known as “Guo Nian”.