The Spring Festival is the first day of the first lunar month, also known as the Lunar New Year, commonly called "the Chinese New Year." It is the most grand and lively traditional festival in China. The history of the Spring Festival is very long, originating from the worship activities of gods and ancestors at the beginning and end of the year during the Shang Dynasty. According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the first day of the first lunar month was historically called "Yuanri," "Yuanchen," "Yuanneng," "Yuanshuo," "Yuan Dan," etc., and is commonly known as the first day of the year. During the Republic of China period, the Gregorian calendar was adopted, and January 1st of the Gregorian calendar became "New Year's Day," while the first day of the lunar calendar was called the "Spring Festival."

　　For thousands of years, people have made the customs of the Spring Festival extremely rich and colorful. Every year, from the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month to the eve of the lunar new year, the folk call this period "Spring Welcome Day" or "Dust Cleaning Day." Before the Spring Festival, people clean their homes and do thorough cleaning, which is a traditional habit of the Chinese people.

　　Then, every household prepares for the Spring Festival. About ten days before the festival, people start busy shopping for goods. The New Year goods include chickens, ducks, fish, meat, tea, alcohol, oil, sauce, northern and southern dried fruits, sugar, candies, and fruits, all must be purchased in sufficient quantities. People also prepare gifts to give to relatives and friends during the Spring Festival. Children need to buy new clothes and hats to wear during the festival.

　　Before the Spring Festival, red paper with golden characters are pasted on the front doors of houses, which are called "Spring Couplets." Colorful and auspicious New Year pictures are pasted inside the house. Skilled girls cut beautiful window decorations and paste them on the windows. Red lanterns are hung in front of the door, or "Fu" (blessing) characters and images of the God of Wealth and Door Gods are pasted. The character "Fu" can even be pasted upside down, because when people read it as "Fu Dao," it means "Blessing has arrived." All these activities aim to add enough festive atmosphere to the holiday.

　　Another name for the Spring Festival is "Year." In ancient legends, "Nian" was an imaginary animal that brought bad luck to people. When Nian came, trees withered and grasses died; when Nian passed, everything grew and flowers bloomed everywhere. How could Nian be driven away? By setting off firecrackers, hence the custom of lighting firecrackers, which is also another way to create a lively scene.

　　The Spring Festival is a joyous and harmonious festival, and also a time for family reunions. People who are away from home return home to celebrate together during the Spring Festival. The night before the Spring Festival is the last night of the old year, also called "Chuxi," or "Reunion Night." At this time of transition between the old and new years, staying up late is one of the most important customs. On the evening of Chuxi, all family members stay up late, enjoy drinking, and share family happiness. In northern regions, it is customary to eat dumplings on Chuxi. The method of making dumplings involves kneading dough, where "he" (knead) sounds like "he" (unite). The word "jiao" (dumpling) sounds like "jiao" (converge), symbolizing reunion, and also represents the moment of changing years and midnight.

　　In southern regions, it is customary to eat rice cakes during the Spring Festival. Sweet and sticky rice cakes symbolize a sweet and prosperous life in the coming year. As the first rooster crows or the clock strikes midnight, the streets are filled with the sound of firecrackers, echoing continuously. Every household is full of joy, and the new year begins. Men, women, and children all wear their finest clothes. They first pay respects to the elders in the family, wish them longevity, and give lucky money to children. They also have the family reunion dinner, and from the second or third day of the new year, they visit relatives and friends, exchange New Year greetings, say blessings like "Wishing you a happy new year," "Congratulations on your wealth," and "Happy New Year," and perform ancestral worship activities.