Chinese New Year

There was once a ferocious dragon called Nian.  It used torment the people of China, so the people were afraid of it.

A wise old man came up with a brilliant idea to help the people overcome their fear.  He told them to work together, beat their gongs and drums and set of fireworks.  The loud noises can scare away the dragon.

His plan worked.  The dragon was scared away.

The people of China continue to celebrate their victory of salvation by lighting firecrackers and beating gongs and drums during Chinese New Year.

For more information:
http://chineseculture.about.com/library/weekly/aa010900a.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nian