One of the most prominent features of the celebrations of the Chinese New Year are red decorations. The color red would be present all over the homes, streets, temples, and businesses during the festival. It is significant because the ancient cultural ideologies have linked red to good luck, happiness and fortune.
Red color represents prosperity, joy, and good energy in the traditional Chinese culture. The color is thought to be capable of scaring away evil spirits and bad luck. The Chinese New Year is associated with the beginning of a new year, thus people adorn their homes with red things in order to bring good luck in the forthcoming year.
The red lanterns are one of the most widespread decorations. These lanterns are lights that are placed outside houses and in the streets, which make the atmosphere in the streets festive and bright. Their friendly brightness is an embodiment of hope and togetherness between families that are enjoying each other.
Red couplets are another conventional decoration. These are poetic writings put on red papers and hung around doorways. The expressions usually convey good wishes of prosperity, health, happiness, and success in the next year.
Another form of popular decorations are paper cuttings of red papers. These complex designs may include flowers, animals or symbols of luck. These are hung on windows and walls to bring good luck in the house.
Another tradition is the red envelope or hongbao. These envelopes containing money are handed out by the elderly among children and younger members of the family. The red color is a sign of protection and blessings to achieve prosperity.
There are also a lot of people who wear red clothes during the Chinese New Years celebrations. This custom also supports the view that red is a good luck and a source of positivity.
During the celebration, red banners, lanterns and festal displays fill the public places. These decorations make a cheerful atmosphere which is reminiscent of the festival.