“According to legend, in ancient China, the Nián was a man-eating beast from the mountains (in other versions from under the sea), which came out every 12 months somewhere close to winter to prey on humans. The people later believed that the Nian was sensitive to loud noises and the color red, so they scared it away with explosions, fireworks and the liberal use of the colour red. These customs led to the first New Year celebrations. Guò nián, which means to celebrate the new year, literally means the passover of the Nian.” That’s the Wiki-derived mythology behind the Chinese New Year, which begins today with tons of activities in the International District. The ear-splitting sounds of firecrackers will meet Chinese and Filipino drill teams, Korean and Sikh dance, and Japanese taiko drumming, all to be found near the Union Station Great Hall this afternoon. The Chinatown Gate is unveiled at 10 a.m. at King St. and Fifth, and don’t miss the lion dance, which will roam from the old site of the Wing Luke Asian Museum at Seventh and Jackson, to its new home at Eighth and King. Union Station Great Hall, 401 S. Jackson St. For more information contact 722-8541. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. RACHEL SHIMP

Sat., Feb. 9, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 2008