chinese new year traditions similar to passover - anyone know more about it?

[christianmomof3]

A friend of mine who is from Taiwan told me that the Chinese new year practices have some similarities to Passover.
They put a red paper around the doorposts of their house to keep a "monster" out and keep it from killing them.
I thought that was very interesting.
Anyone know any more about the Chinese New Year and similarities to Passover?

[Thao]

If your friend is implying that there is a connection between the Jewish story of painting blood on the doorposts so the angel would pass over their sons and red paper on the door to protect against evil spirits, I would say that it is a stretch.

There are similarities in all world spiritual traditions. Belief in talismans to protect against evil spirits is universal, I can't think of any culture that doesn't have it. As for the color red, in Chinese mythology it is a lucky color and has nothing to do with the color of blood. Chinese brides traditionally wear red, for example, so it would be pretty gruesome if it symbolized blood!