Firecrackers and drumbeats to ward off evil spirits break the silence, and wafting smoke fills the air as the macabre parade begins.

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Throughout the Chinese New Year holidays, fireworks and firecrackers are traditionally set off to ward off evil spirits when ushering in the new year.

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The Germanic culture that dominated most of northern Europe gave us the word yule, and the tradition of burning a yule log to ward off evil spirits.

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More often seen on doors across North Africa and the Middle East, Fatima's hand is believed to ward off evil spirits and is named after the compassionate daughter of the Prophet Mohammed.

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Others set off firecrackers to ward off evil spirits.

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"They ward off evil spirits, " he said.

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