Incense is burned in homes and temples to pay respect to ancestors and ask the gods for good health in the coming year. On New Year's Eve, families come together to feast. Popular in Northern China is jiaozi, a steamed dumpling, while in Southern China nian gao, a sweet rice pudding, is preferred. Family members engage in playing cards and board games or watching television programs dedicated to the occasion. At midnight, celebrants ring in the new year with fireworks, intended to drive away evil spirits.
Lights are to be kept on throughout the night.
On the first morning of the new year, children greet their parents and receive Lay See - lucky money tucked in red envelopes. Then the family goes door to door with good wishes for relatives and neighbors. Old grudges are easily dismissed during this time of reconciliation and goodwill, and gifts are exchanged during visits over the next several days. The festival is marked by peace, socializing, folk dancing and fun. According to Chinese legend, Buddha once invited all the animals of the kingdom to come before him on Chinese New Year.