The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is the most important traditional festival in China. It usually falls on the first day of the lunar calendar and lasts for 15 days. People celebrate this special occasion with great enthusiasm.
Before the festival begins, families clean their homes thoroughly to sweep away bad luck and make room for good fortune. They decorate doors and windows with red paper cuttings and couplets, which symbolize happiness and prosperity. On New Year's Eve, family members gather together for a big dinner, enjoying delicious food like dumplings and fish.
On the first day of the New Year, people dress up in new clothes and visit relatives and friends to exchange greetings. Children receive lucky money in red envelopes from elders as a blessing for the coming year. Fireworks and firecrackers are set off everywhere to drive away evil spirits and bring joyous atmosphere.
During the following days, various activities take place, such as dragon dances, lion dances, and temple fairs. These performances not only entertain but also carry cultural significance. The Lantern Festival marks the end of the Spring Festival celebrations, where people light lanterns and solve riddles.
The Spring Festival is more than just a holiday; it is a time for family reunions, expressing gratitude, and passing down traditions. It reflects the deep-rooted values of harmony, respect, and hope for the future.