On the 24th day of the twelfth lunar month, it is convention for Chinese people to clean their houses.

The custom is said to symbolize cleaning away the dirt and filth of the past year so as to embrace a brand new beginning.

According to Chinese folk beliefs, during the last month of the year ghosts and deities must choose either to return to Heaven or to stay on Earth.

It is believed that in order to ensure the ghosts and deities' timely departure people must thoroughly clean both their persons and their dwellings, down to every last drawer and cupboard.