Spring Festival is as important to Chinese as Christmas to westerners. The date of the Chinese Year is determined by the Chinese lunar calendar (Nong li, 农历). On the days before the New year celebration, Chinese families give their home a thorough cleaning. It’s believed the cleaning sweeps away bad luck and makes their homes ready for good luck to arrive. The celebrations run from Chinese New Year’s Eve, the last day of the last month of the lunar calendar,to the Lantern Festival(Yuanxiao,元宵节)on the 15th of the first month. New Year,s Eve is usually an occasion for Chiense families to gather for the annual reunion dinner. And doors will be decorated with Red couplets(Duilian,对联)with themes of health,wealth and good luck.Other activities include lighting fireworks, giving money in Red envelops and visiting relatives.
