Comparing between Chinese Monster and American Monster - Coursework Example

Comparing between Chinese Monster and American Monster Introduction This essay is primarily about a comparison between a Chinese monster and American monster. In particular, the essay examines key similarities and differences between two great monsters, Nian and Momo the Missouri Monster. Nian is a Chinese Monster, which lived under the sea or on the mountains (Wong 27). On few occasions during springs and around Chinese New Year, it comes out from its hiding to attack people and mostly children. The Nian story is said to have its origin from in a small province of Shanghai. The monster was ferocious, horrible and hideous. Chinese holds the Spring Festival to commemorate Nian Monster. Besides, they consider the Spring Festival as the grandest, most magnificent festival in the history of the country’s culture. On the other hand, Momo the Missouri Monster is a hairy, foul-smelling monster. According to Taylor (130), Momo, in simple term refers to Bigfoot. It was first reported in 1971 and identified to live in Missouri. Since that time, the monster has been spotted up and down the Mississippi river. In the first scenario, two picnickers asserted that they saw the monster come out the woods nearby. The foul-smelling creature allegedly ate their food while they locked themselves inside the car. In the second scenario, local children (Doris, Wally and Terry) reportedly saw Momo walk regally past them hauling a dead dog. The fundamental differences between the two legends, Nian and Momo, highlight the deep-seated cultural variation and beliefs between Chinese and Americans. In this regard, this paper tries to compare the existence of Nian vs. Momo the Missouri Monster and their importance to Chinese and American cultures respectively. Nian vs. Momo the Missouri Monster Nian Monster Nian was a furious monster that allegedly descended from the mountains or under the sea to hunt people every 1st and 15th of the lunar month. Thus, people locked their doors very early before nightfall on the days the creature was likely come (Wong 27). Although the monster attacked anyone regardless of gender, it mainly preferred children. Parents were terrified of a possible fatal attack on their children who often played outside their homes. The old man in the village thought the panic in people perhaps made the monster furious and so bold. He asked the people to come together and find a way of conquering the monster. According to the old man, burning of bamboo, beating gongs and drums, lighting off fireworks would be an effective approach to conquering Nian (Wong 27). He believed that large noises would threaten and scare away the horrible monster. Everyone agreed to the old man’s suggestion. The monster would appear again at a freezing, moonless cold night. The people burst out with the large, threatening noises the moment Nian opened its mouth at them. Frightening noises and intense fireworks made Nian to back off in every place it went. The terrible noises particularly made it scamper for safety. Eventually, the monster was overwhelmed with exhaustion and fell down (Wong 27). When people learned that the monster had fallen down and unable to move any further, they quickly jumped up and killed it on the spot. Apart from Nian’s sensitivity to the loud, frightening noises, it also feared color Red. Savage as Nian was, it ultimately lost the battle thanks to persistent efforts and cooperation from the villagers. However, they kept the habit or tradition of beating gongs and drums, as well as lighting fireworks since winning the battle against the furious monster (Wong 27). The people have particularly formed the habit of beating drums and lighting fireworks during coldest days in the winter. Although they had successfully exterminated Nian, most of them have kept the tradition to drive away any imagined monster, as well as to celebrate the historical victory over the monster. Chinese celebrate the monster to date, christened as the Spring Festival or the New Year’s Day. They often refer to this historical day as Guo Nian, which implies “live the festivals.” Incidentally, even the Lion Dance (a popular culture among the Southern Chinese) is believed to have originated from the myth of the horrible monster (Klobuchar & James 175). The red robes and firecrackers that characterize most of the Lion Dance depictions or portrayals, originate from the villagers’ plan to wear red robes, throw firecrackers, and hit drums and empty bowls so as to intimidate the monster. Even after effectively killing it, many of the people still believe Nian exists. Nevertheless, the monster has never appeared to a human or in the community again (Klobuchar & James 175). The legend became symbolic particularly in the eyes of modern people residing in towns and cities. Accordingly, the legend has become an important tradition. Many people still beat gongs and drums, as well as light fireworks to drive Nian away. Chinese New Year is among the most important events or festivals in the cultural history of Chinese. The New Year’s Day (or Spring Festival) is basically a celebration of the ferocious monster that came out during spring to attack and eat human beings as well as animals (Klobuchar & James 175). The blasting sounds of drums and gongs, as well as firelight, scared the monster away. Families would let off firecrackers and paste red couplets on the eve of every New Year to avoid the monster’s attack. Other households stayed up the entire to avoid the monster’s wrath. Another version of the legend draws readers’ attention to a villager who was wearing a red tunic. The red tunic scared Nian away at a point when it was preparing to jump on the villager (Klobuchar & James 175). He narrated to everyone who cared to listen about his incredible luck. The frightening incident was a cultural breakthrough as the villagers discovered things that would successfully keep the monster away on the eve of New Year. Nian customs came into being because of the arguably convincing legend about Nian monster, as well as the steps the villagers took to remedy the situation. The Spring Festival has gained prominence among the Chinese living in China and several others residing in other countries globally (Klobuchar & James 175). The Spring Festival/Chinese New Year is a time that families and friends come together to remember their ancestors. It is also a moment for feasting and giving “red envelopes” of propitious money. The envelopes are gifts that friends or even family members give to their loved ones. Chinese New Year is also a day to flashback the frustrations and intrigues of villagers to scare away the horrible monster. Apparently, the village lost many lives before ultimately inventing an effective means to end the fatal attacks (Klobuchar & James 175). In addition, many of the Chinese ancient stories and customs border around the Spring Festival. According to the Chinese, the color red means luck. The act of beating drums and gongs also became common among the Chinese after they discovered it could scare the monster. As a result, the villagers perfected the art of scaring monsters hundreds of years later by doing all sorts of things that drove any monster away. Most Chinese adults and children light firecrackers and shake rattles during the eve of Chinese New Year as a commemoration of the day villagers scared Nian to the core and eventually killed it (Wong 27). The day also signifies an unprecedented breakthrough to dealing with a horrible monster that attacked, intimidated and even killed innocent villagers. Modern customs and traditions associated with lighting of fireworks, beating of drums, and wearing red outfit are primarily based on the tribulations of the Chinese village and the final breakthrough. The people of China feel a sense of wellbeing and security whenever they make loud rattles and run for the red banners during the eve of Chinese New Year (Wong 27). The Lion Dance, a trendy festival in the county, also originated from the myth of the hideous monster. Moreover, Nian denotes the year. For example, the Chinese usually greet one another by saying, “Xin Nian Hao” which implies Happy New Year! In this case, Hao means “good” and Xin means “new”. Momo the Missouri Monster Momo is a hairy, foul-smelling monster. The expression “Momo” stands for Missouri Monster. The Monster was last seen around Louisiana - a small Mississippi River township. Residents discovered it in July 1972 (Taylor 130). The press wittily dubbed the hairy, strange creature “Momo”. Most of the residents find the name, as well as their encounters with the monster rather amusing. Residents first encountered the creature at the foot of Marzolf Hill, located on the outskirts of Louisiana. Two young boys, Wally Harrison and Terry Harrison, were at the edge of their yard, playing with their dog. Suddenly, Doris (an older sister), who was inside the house, heard her two brothers screaming. She immediately ran out to have a look through the bathroom window (Taylor 130). Doris saw something hairy, black and about six feet tall standing by a tree. Both Terry and Doris agreed that the face of the creature was invisible owing to the mass of hair that covered its body. Furthermore, the creature did not seem to have a neck. It was speckled by blood, most probably from the dead dog it was holding under its arm. The smell emanating from the hairy creature was horrendous. Incidentally, the odor made Harrison family dog severely sick after a very short period. The children’s father, Mr. Edgar Harrison, arrived home at 4:00pm accompanied by a deacon. However, he did not find the monster, which had apparently disappeared (Taylor 130). Meanwhile, several other people in the neighborhood complained about some strange animal sounds. Mrs. Clarence Lee, for instance, allegedly went as far as speaking with a local farmer whose dog had disappeared. Mr. Harrison, on the other hand, encountered about 40 people as he drove on Allen Street. Most of them were carrying guns, on their way to investigate the strange sounds at the reservoir. Harrison and a couple of friends would explore Marzolf Hill later that evening. A strong stench lingered from an old building near the hill. Harrison and other friends would still experience the same “moldy or a strong garbage smell” emanating from places where they heard the weird sounds (Taylor 130). The odd happenings were yet to become to an end. According to Pat Howard, the “dark object” crossed the road near Marzolf Hill and was apparently running like a man. The hullabaloo surrounding the physical appearances, the sightings, and actual identity of the mysterious creature drew massive attention from the media and law enforcement agencies. In essence, the monster reports generated immense publicity, prompting Shelby Ward, the Louisiana Police Chief, to organize a contingent of 20 police officers and residents to lead a painstaking search on July 19 (Hamilton 16). Momo encounters and sightings in Louisiana ended with the discovery of bizarre tracks at the Suddath farm. Today, the residents remember the story as a mere curiosity. However, the month of July remained a mystery for those in the neighborhoods of Marzolf Hill, as well as those with an interest or curiosity in the unsolved controversies (Hamilton 16). Some people suggest Momo was perhaps a rascal black bear. Nevertheless, Louisiana residents and the police seem to agree that the monster was a foul-smelling man-like creature. Mary Ryan and Joan Mills first reported the monster in July 1971. According to the two women, the hairy creature was “half ape and half man”. Since then, it has been sported by several residents of Louisiana area, including Doris, Wally, and Terry Harrison (Hamilton 16). Although some tracks were discovered and even transmitted to the director of Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden (Mr. Lawrence Curtis), he termed them a hoax. The two major sightings that were apparently reported were the 1871 allegations by a group of picnickers and 1972 reports by local children. In the first scenario, the picnickers asserted that they saw the monster come out the woods nearby. The foul-smelling creature allegedly ate their food while they locked themselves inside the car (Hamilton 16). In the second scenario, local children (Doris, Wally and Terry) reportedly saw Momo walk regally past them hauling a dead dog. A farmer also reported bizarre sounds, and a strong odor which is normally associated with the man-like creature. Momo attracted immense interest from the locals in early 1970s. Before then, Bigfoot-like creatures/monsters were often reported in Louisiana since early 1940s (Hamilton 16). Although the people of Louisiana can hardly forget the mystery that surrounded the sightings of the monster, they have never considered it an exceptional day in the cultural history of the region or the country at large. Cultural differences between China and America Unlike China, Americans treat discovery of monsters and legendary creatures so casually. The people of Louisiana have never considered the day that some residents reportedly saw Momo exceptional in the cultural history of the region or the country at large. However, they can hardly forget the mystery that surrounded the sightings of the monster. On the contrary, Chinese have used the legend of Nian to mark the country’s most important festival- Chinese New Year (Wong 27). In addition, a unique custom or sighting in a given area is not binding to Americans both locally and nationally. For instance, the reports and sightings about Momo the Missouri Monster were just a concern to the area police and the residents (Hamilton 16). It was never a big issue to the state or even federal government. In contrast, modern customs and traditions associated with lighting of fireworks, beating of drums, and wearing red outfit in China are primarily associated with tribulations of a Chinese village and the ultimate breakthrough. Moreover, Chinese attach more importance or significance to personal relationships compared to Americans. They take it upon themselves to build and nurture relationships with people close to them. Besides, Chinese have higher expectations and prospects once two or more individuals, or groups, have initiated a relationship (Wong 27). In contrast, Americans focus primarily on building short term relationships. Such relationships may last longer if both parties derive considerable benefits. Culturally, children have a greater obligation to take care of their parents once they (the Children) become adults. On the contrary, parents in the U.S. are vastly involved in raising and preparing their children to lead independent lives. Such parents do not anticipate or expect much from their children when they (the children) become adults. Works Cited Hamilton, Sue L. Monsters of Mystery. Edina, Minn: ABDO Pub, 2008. Klobuchar, Lisa, and James Spears. Daily Reading Comprehension: Grade 4. Monterey, CA: Evan-Moor, 2010. Print. Taylor, Troy. The Big Book of Missouri Ghost Stories. , 2013. Print. Wong, Evy. Chinese Auspicious Culture. Singapore: Asiapac Books, 2012. Print. Read More