Before the start of the festivities, Chinese people spring clean their houses to sweep away any bad luck.
On New Year’s Eve, all brooms, dustpan and brushes are put away so that good luck can’t be swept away. Houses are decorated with paper scrolls with good luck phrases such as ‘Happiness’ and ‘Wealth’.
People will stay up until midnight setting off fireworks to frighten away evil spirits. Red symbolises fire which will scare away evil spirits, so people dress head to foot in new red clothing.
