Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is the most important traditional festival in China. It marks the beginning of a new lunar year and is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country. Families gather to enjoy a reunion dinner on New Year's Eve, often featuring symbolic dishes like dumplings and fish, which represent wealth and prosperity.
During the festival, people decorate their homes with red couplets, lanterns, and paper cuttings, as red is considered a lucky color in Chinese culture. Children receive red envelopes filled with money from elders, symbolizing good fortune and blessings for the coming year. Fireworks and firecrackers are set off to ward off evil spirits and celebrate the new beginning.
The Spring Festival lasts for 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival, where people light and release colorful lanterns into the sky. This vibrant celebration not only strengthens family bonds but also preserves cultural heritage and traditions passed down through generations. Streets come alive with dragon and lion dances, showcasing the rich folklore and artistry of China.