The written word and tradition in China

Editor's note: Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year, is the most important festival among Chinese people. It usually falls in late January or early February, heralding the beginning of spring. This year, it falls on Jan. 22. 

Traditionally, Chinese people celebrate the Spring Festival from the first day to the fifth day of the first lunar month and also regard the 15th day of the first lunar month (Lantern Festival) as an important part of the Spring Festival. 

Several Chinese characters, or keywords, reflect the essence of its long-lasting traditions.

Day 1 of the Spring Festival

The Chinese character 新 ("xin"), meaning new, is the keyword for the first day of the Spring Festival. This year, it falls on Jan. 22.

This traditional festival is a festival of reunion, therefore, no matter how far away people are from their homes, they will try their best to return in order to have a reunion dinner on Lunar New Year's Eve and stay together throughout the festival. On the first day of the Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, the entire family will don new clothes, light firecrackers, pay visits to the older generations, and send wishes for the new year ahead. These customs have been passed down through generations, making Spring Festival the most ceremonious traditional festival among Chinese people.

Read more about Spring Festival customs：

Day 30 of the 12th lunar month (New Year's Eve) - 1 day until the Spring Festival 

Day 2 of the Spring Festival