「福」indicates bless in Chinese. People believe couplets with「福」on the gate would bring them happiness and good luck in the New Year.

「爆竹」 in Chinese, literally meaning "exploding bamboo", was the predecessor of firecrackers. Wrapped in red, a lucky color for Chinese, firecrackers became increasingly popular to enhance celebrations and religious ceremonies. The red paper is left around (for at least a day) after letting off firecrackers, so as not to "sweep away good luck".