Prior to the celebrations, the Chinese can be seen searching for all kinds of seasonal delicacies like waxed duck as well as mandarin oranges, blossom flowers and kumquat (a smaller version of the mandarin orange) trees for prosperity and good luck. Before the new year begins, all debts must be settles and the house cleaned from top to bottom.

New Year's eve is usually spent at home as it is a tradition to hold a special reunion dinner to strengthen family relationships between the young and the elderly. Every Chinese family member, no matter where they are in the world, will endeavour to return home for this once a year family reunion. Chinese traditions require family members to remain home after the reunion feast to observe the 'shou sui' and children are encouraged to stay awake till late, because they believe that their life will be spared and they will live longer.

On New Year's day, children are the most merry because apart from feasting on loads of goodies when visiting their relatives' home, they would be receiving ang pows (red packet filled with money as a lucky token). These ang pows are also given to visitors and friends irrespective of their religion and race when they come visiting.

Traditional fares during this season include waxed ducks, mandarin oranges, sunflower seeds, 'love letters' biscuits, groundnuts and glutinous cakes. During this period, lion dances (believed to bring good fortune) are being held in homes, hotels and shopping complexes.

The New Year is full of customs and taboos. One of them is that the first meal of the day would have to be a vegetarian meal as taking of life is strictly forbidden.

Gambling has become a favourite pastime in many Malaysian Chinese homes during Chinese New Year. The sound of 'mahjong' chips clattering against each other and the euphoric clamour by the victorious party is not uncommon. Poker and Black Jack are another favourite game played.

Then, during the night, you can hear the people shout on top of their voice in toasts and cheers of 'Yam Seng', the toast to victory or bottoms up at private dinner parties.

On the seventh day after the New Year, the Chinese community eats a special dish called 'Yee Sang', a simple dish of raw fish, shredded vegetables, herbs and spices. It is believed that the dish heralds prosperity for that year and also signifies the universal birthday for all human beings.

In Penang, the Chinese community celebrated Chinese New Year a bit different especially on the 15th night. On the night, one get to see the Chap Goh Meh celebrations at the Esplanade and the Chingay parade with stilt walkers, lion and dragon dances and acrobats amidst the clashing of cymbals and beating of gongs and drums along the busy streets of Georgetown, adding to the festive atmosphere.