In China, there is a legend that on new year's eve evil spirits, expelled from other places, looking for a new home. They settle where they find a suitable home and bring the owners of different troubles.
To drive the evil spirits away from their home and, conversely, to attract happiness and prosperity to their family, the Chinese try to create more noise and light the lights. Hence came the custom of new year's eve to throw in the oven the bamboo sticks. Burning, they gave off a strong crackling sound that scare away the evil spirits. In our days these sticks are replaced with firecrackers and fireworks.
Another legend says that in ancient times on the eve of the new year celebration, a mythical monster destroyed the inhabitants of an entire village. Survived only one family that was in the clothes of red color. Since there is a belief that evil spirits are afraid of red. In addition, this color symbolizes well-being and respectability. Therefore, in China it is used both in clothes, and in decoration of houses and now. You can take just the red strips of paper and stick them on different objects.
And here is clothing black and white flowers for celebration not suited.
very similar to what I wrote :) thanks for sharing what you know. I remember something about light too, but I decided not to write about it because I don't remember the details.