Preparations for the festival begin during the last few days of the last moon. Houses are scrubbed, debts are repaid, new clothes are bought and everyone gets a haircut. On New Year's Eve, a large family dinner is served. Most folks stay up until midnight, when fireworks are lit to drive away evil spirits. On New Year's Day, it is considered bad luck to do housework, since this activity sweeps away good luck.
People also avoid using words relating to sickness and death.
In Vietnam, the Lunar New Year is called Tet. Festivities last three days. At midnight on the first day, people exchange toasts of good wishes for the coming year. Homes are brightly lit, and the family altar holds flowers, fruits, cakes and sweets. Folks take extra care not to show anger or rudeness toward others, and quarrels are mended.