Before the meal, families pay tribute to their ancestors and pray for their blessings. According to the custom shousui, people stay up all night to ward off evil and disease and welcome a new year of good fortune.

Traditional firecrackers were set off to mark the start of the year, in the early morning or just after midnight in many places. According to legend, nian, the “beast of the year”, will attack on that day but it is scared of the color red and the sound of explosions — hence the need for the dazzling displays.

People don new outfits at the start of the year and formally greet family elders with wishes for their good health and fortune. Children receive red envelopes containing pocket money from their parents, grandparents and other older relatives.

The day is a time of leisure and exuberance, when people have fun with their families without the obligations of household chores.

Activities and events for the next few days may vary from region to region, but people usually pay visits to their relatives, including senior members of the extended family. 

It is a treasured period to reunite with loved ones and spend quality time together.