The custom of putting up red paper and firing firecrackers is to scare away Nian, should the beast run loose again. These days, people have long forgotten the legend. They just think the color and sound add to the excitement of the Chinese New Year celebration. Even though the climax of Chinese New Year lasts only two or three days including the New Year's Eve, the New Year season extends from the mid-twelfth month of the previous year to the middle of the first month of the new year. A month before the New Year , it is a good time for business.
People buy presents, decoration material, food, and clothing.
The Eve of the New Year is carefully observed. Supper is a feast. Every light is supposed to be kept on the entire night. At midnight, the whole sky is emblazoned with fireworks, and the streets with firecrackers. During and several days following the New Year's day , people are visiting each other, exchanging gifts.