Firecrackers are traditionally set off to frighten away ghosts so that the new year would be free of them. Legend says that long ago there was a monster who terrorized people and animals at the end of the year.

It was discovered that this animal was frightened of loud noise, bright lights, and the color red. At midnight, on the last day of the old year, these things are used to chase away the monster of the whole year.

Firecrackers are set off as soon as the new year arrives. You can hear or see firecrackers everywhere, and this usually lasts for a few hours. Some people will continue to play firecrackers occasionally through out the first half of the first month. Traditionally fireworks are the sign of getting rid of the old and welcoming the new.