Dragon dance and Lion dance, iconic festivities which mark the first day of the New Year according to the Chinese lunisolar calendar, are common during the New Year's Eve. It is believed that the loud beats of the drum and the deafening sounds of the cymbals accompanied with the lion and dragon masks can expel evil spirits.
Red-colored oval lanterns, reminiscent of the Jack-o'-lanterns, are widely used for decorations particularly on the fifteenth day of the Chinese New Year.
Other decorations include Chinese calligraphy posters showing traditional Chinese idioms, Chinese knots and couplets.
Members of the Chinese community participate in a lion dance during celebrations at Lima's Chinatown Jan. 22, 2012. The Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, begins on Jan. 23 and marks the start of the Year of the Dragon, according to the Chinese zodiac.REUTERS/Pilar OlivaresPeople perform a dragon dance during a procession along the Chinatown area in Binondo, metro Manila, Jan. 21, 2012 to celebrate Chinese New Year. The Lunar New Year begins on Jan. 23 and marks the start of the Year of the Dragon, according to the Chinese zodiac.REUTERS/Dwi ObloSoldiers perform a dragon-dance in front of Tay Kei Sek temple in Semarang, Central Java, Jan. 23, 2012. The Lunar New Year begins on Jan. 23 and marks the start of the Year of the Dragon, according to the Chinese zodiac.REUTERS/Dwi ObloA man stands next to red lanterns during Chinese new year celebrations at the Old City God Temple in Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai, Jan. 22, 2012. The Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, begins on Jan. 23 and marks the start of the Year of the Dragon, according to the Chinese zodiac.REUTERS/Carlos BarriaMembers of the Chinese community dressed as a god (L) and a warrior give red packets, monetary gifts given during holidays or special occasions, to children during celebrations at Lima's Chinatown, Jan. 22, 2012. The Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, begins on Jan. 23 and marks the start of the Year of the Dragon, according to the Chinese zodiac.REUTERS/Pilar OlivaresPerformers wearing traditional costumes take part in a lion dance during the opening of the temple fair at Ditan Park, also known as the Temple of Earth, in Beijing, Jan. 22, 2012. The Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, begins on Jan. 23 and marks the start of the Year of the Dragon, according to the Chinese zodiac.REUTERS/David GrayDragon dance performers welcome in Chinese Lunar New Year in Beijing.Reuters/Soo Hoo Zheyang
