Wha
t to Do during Spring Festival Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is the most significant festival in China. It is a time for celebration, reunion, and reflection, as it marks the beginning of a new year and the end of winter. As one of the most important holidays in the Chinese culture, it comes with festive customs and traditions. Here are some things you can do during the Spring Festival. 1. Clean the house and decorate it with red Before the Chinese New Year, people usually do thorough cleaning of their homes. It is believed that this tradition will sweep away bad luck and misfortunes from the past year, making way for good fortune to enter. Decorating the house with red-colored items is also an important tradition, as red symbolizes prosperity and happiness. 2. Have a family reunion dinner The New Year's Eve dinner, also known as the "reunion dinner," is an essential part of the Spring Festival celebration. Families gather together to have a sumptuous meal, exchange gifts, and wish each other a happy new year. Many families also set off fireworks to celebrate the occasion. 3. Give and receive red envelopes Red envelopes, also known as "hongbao," are one of the most anticipated gifts during the Chinese New Year. Typically, the elders give red envelopes filled with money to children and unmarried adults as a way of passing on blessings and good luck. It is also a way of showing appreciation and respect to the recipients. 4. Watch traditional lion and dragon dances Lion and dragon dances are an integral part of the Spring Festival celebrations. The lion and dragon are symbolic creatures that ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. People typically gather in the streets to watch the performances, which feature acrobatic stunts, loud drumming, and colorful costumes. 5. Visit temples and pray for good fortune During the Spring Festival, many people visit temples and pray for good luck and blessings for the new year. Temples are usually bustling with people during this time, and it is customary to offer incense, make offerings, and light candles to the deities. It is believed that these actions will bring good fortune and prosperity for the coming year. 6. Prepare and eat traditional foods Traditional foods are an essential part of the Spring Festival celebration. Dumplings, rice cakes, fish, and spring rolls are some of the most popular dishes served during this time. Dumplings are eaten because they resemble ingot-shaped gold or silver, while fish represents abundance and prosperity. In conclusion, the Spring Festival is a time for celebration, reflection, and family. It is a time to let go of the past and welcome the new year with positivity and optimism. By following these traditions and customs, people can embrace the festival's spirit and receive blessings for the year ahead.