Lunar New Year celebrations last approximately fifteen days, and preparations for the celebration generally begin with a spring cleaning in which houses are cleaned from top to bottom in order to sweep away any traces of bad luck. Doors and windowpanes are given a fresh coat of red paint to ward off evil spirits. The windows are then dressed with decorations representing happiness, wealth and longevity. Anticipation is at its height on the eve of the New Year. Traditions and rituals are carefully observed in everything from food to clothing.
Dinner is usually a feast of seafood and dumplings, signifying both luck and prosperity.
After dinner, the family stays together until midnight, when the sky is lit with fireworks. Married couples give children and unmarried adults money in red envelopes. The end of the celebration is marked by the Festival of Lanterns, a lantern show with singing and dancing.