During Chinese New Year, people will gather around and celebrate as a family. Usually at the house of the person who is the most senior. Gathering around as a family is a good thing as everyone gets to know each other more and have fun together.

Before Chinese New Year, everyone will clean their homes because Chinese believe that cleaning sweeps away the bad luck of the preceding year and makes their homes ready for good luck. Brooms and dust pans are put away on the first day so that luck cannot be swept away.

The first day is for the welcoming of the deities. Many people, especially Buddhists, abstain from meat consumption on the first day because it is believed that this will ensure longevity for them. Some consider lighting fires and using knives to be bad luck on New Year's Day, so all food to be consumed is cooked the day before.


Firecrackers were used in China to drive away evil spirits by their loud cracking sound when ignited. The use of firecrackers, although a traditional part of celebration, has over the years witnessed many unfortunate outcomes. There have been reported incidents every year of users of fireworks being blinded, losing body parts, or suffering other grievous injuries, especially during festive seasons. Hence, governments and authorities eventually enacted laws completely banning the use of firecrackers privately, primarily because of safety issues.


Red packets are also given out during Chinese New Year. They are also known as 压祟钱(Ya Sui Qian), the money is used to suppress or put down he evil spirit during this period.

Clothing mainly featuring the colour red is commonly worn throughout the Chinese New Year because it is believed that red will scare away evil spirits and bad fortune. In addition, people typically wear new clothes from head to toe to symbolize a new beginning in the New Year.