In some regions, family members stay awake all night (守歲), to say goodbye to the old year and to welcome the first day of the new year it is also believed to bring blessings to the elderly members and increase their longevity. In some regions, married people will give out red pockets (壓歲錢) to children to place under their pillows for good luck in the year to come. The celebration starts on New Year’s Eve (除夕) when family members gather together for dinner (團年飯/團圓飯/年夜飯), to toast on the hard work and achievements throughout the year. In 2023, the Lunar Year, Year of the Rabbit, begins on January 22 and ends on February 5. No matter how different the meanings and traditions are, Lunar New Year is when people spend time with families and friends to celebrate traditions and make wishes for a good year to come. Then some folktales talk about the God of Wealth (財神) bringing good fortunes to people, about the God of Kitchen (灶神) watching households, and many more. Hence each day of the new year is considered to be the birthday of her creations. It is believed that she spent the first six days creating animals, the seventh-day creating humans, and the eighth day creating grains. Among the many myths, there is one about Nüwa (女媧), the goddess who created the world. Many of the meanings also come from legends and folktales passed down from generation to generation. The days' significance and customs vary between regions and beliefs. The celebration generally runs for 15 days, with each day having special meaning and traditions to honor. Lunar New Year (農曆新年) marks the first day of the year in the lunar calendar.

Chinese lunar calendar