This article was very interesting. Lots of info such as the tradition of giving a red envelope with money inside to children and unmarried adults. Also the number "4" is bad luck and stands for death, so the money amount can never have a "4" in it.

Fireworks scare away the evil spirits and are still unrestricted in Taiwan and Mainland China where "there are many displays of fireworks lighting up the evening skies."

Happy Year of the Rat!