2009 New Orleans, Louisiana. This Chinese New Year was the Year of the Ox in the rotation of animals in the Chinese zodiac. The Ox represents prosperity through perseverance and hard work.
The celebration of Chinese New Year began with fights against the mythical beast, Nian or “Year.” The beast came on the first day of New Year to eat the people, livestock and crops.
The villagers protected themselves by putting food in front of their doors, so Nian would eat that and not attack them.
