Staying up late, a time-honored tradition to welcome the New Year

Layue, the twelfth month of the traditional Chinese calendar, began on December 31. It is also known for its many traditional customs, making it one of the most culturally rich months of the year. And Chinese New Year's Eve is the highlight of the entire Spring Festival.

On Chinese New Year's Eve, families gather for a hearty reunion dinner, often dressed in festive red clothes and surrounded by glowing red lanterns. Staying up all night, a tradition rooted in folklore, stems from the belief that a monster called Nian would attack villages on New Year's Eve. To ward it off, people used bright lights, loud noises, and firecrackers – practices that continue today.