On the day before the Chinese New Year, it is customary for people to do a long list fulls of traditional things. In Malaysia, we still practise some of the oldest traditions every year. But do you know the meaning behind them? Let’s read on to discover the real purpose why are we doing these on New Year Eve!

1. Family reunion dinner

As the bond of family is the utmost important in a Chinese family, the reunion dinner on the night before the new year is considered the most important get-together meal of the entire year. On this day, no matter how far apart the family members are, they would get back home for the biggest annual family gathering. This is also a way for the youngsters to express their gratitude and loves to the elders, especially their parents.

2. Decorate homes with spring festival couplets 

Pasting red couplets, paper-cuts, door gods pictures, new year pictures and the “Fu” character is the most common custom when celebrating Chinese New Year. The decors are typically red because the Chinese believe that the colour red can bring happiness, wealth and prosperity. 

3 Ancestor worshipping

The custom is especially popular during ancient time.  But due to the different beliefs in different areas, there are a variety of ways the ancient people worship their ancestors. Nowadays, ancestors worshipping is usually held in homes. The family members would offer joss sticks (one by one, starting with the oldest member) and offering items before the memorial tablets.

4. Lucky money

The lucky money, or “Ya Sui Qian” in Chinese, is given in a red packet to the children during Chinese New Year. The Chinese believe that the gift can “suppress ghosts”, hence allowing the children to live another safe and peaceful year. 

5. Stay awake till late night

It is believed that children should stay up as late as possible on Chinese New Year’s Eve and that the later they stay up, the longer their parents will live. But there is also another version of the story, in which there is a ferocious monster, Nian, who would come and cause great damage to the people and their whole year's efforts at midnight. According to the legend, the monster is afraid of the cracking sound of bamboo, red colour and bright light. Therefore, on every New Year’s Eve, people would paste red couplets, throw firecrackers and light candles at night to scare the monster away.

6. Firecrackers and fireworks

Originally, the Chinese burn dry bamboo on New Year’s Eve to drive away evil spirits and the monster, Nian. Now, firecrackers and fireworks are used to replace the bamboo. People set off firecrackers at midnight or on the morning of the first day of New Year as a way to welcome the new year.  

So, do you still practise all these traditions and customs? Let us know in the comment section!