In the ancient East, there was a small village surrounded by mountains. At the center of the village stood an old temple that housed a majestic lion dance figure. This lion was said to possess mysterious powers that protected the village. During festivals, the villagers would gather, beat drums, and dance with the lion to seek peace and good fortune.
At the edge of the village lived a young woman named Alian. Since childhood, she had admired the lion dance. Her grandfather was a craftsman who specialized in making handmade ornaments from natural cinnabar. Alian learned this craft from him, and her favorite creation was an 18-bead cinnabar bracelet. Each bead symbolized a blessing, and the bracelet was known as the "Eighteen Beads Bracelet."
Her grandfather often told her that cinnabar was not only a beautiful mineral but also had the power to ward off evil. Whenever she made a bracelet, Alian would silently pray, infusing each bead with blessings and wishes. She believed this was not only a way to preserve traditional craftsmanship but also a tribute to ancestral wisdom.
The annual Lion Dance Festival was approaching, and the village was filled with joy. However, on the eve of the festival, strange noises began emanating from the forest outside the village, causing unease among the villagers. Alian decided to offer her most precious cinnabar bracelet to the lion in the temple, hoping to invoke its power to protect the village.
That night, Alian went to the old temple with her bracelet, hung it around the lion's neck, and prayed sincerely. Miraculously, the lion's eyes seemed to flash with a glimmer of light. The next day, the strange noises disappeared, and the village returned to peace.
From then on, Alian's cinnabar bracelets became widely known in the village. Everyone wore these bracelets imbued with blessings and protective powers. Under the lion's guardianship, the village enjoyed peace and prosperity year after year.
Alian's story spread over time, and her cinnabar bracelet became a symbol of the village and a representative of Chinese-style retro ornaments. No matter where they went, those who wore this bracelet felt the unique charm and warm blessings from the ancient East.