My Wonderful Spring Festival
The Spring Festival is the most important traditional festival in China, and it's always a very special time for me. Every year, as winter approaches, I look forward to this holiday with great excitement because it means family reunions, delicious food, and lots of fun activities.
Last Spring Festival was particularly memorable. A few days before the festival, my parents and I cleaned our house thoroughly. We swept away any bad luck from the past year and made everything fresh and clean for the new one. It’s called “sweeping dust” in Chinese culture, which symbolizes starting anew.
When the big day finally arrived, we put up red couplets on our door. The red color represents happiness and good fortune. Inside the house, there were lanterns and decorations everywhere. My mom prepared a variety of traditional dishes like dumplings, fish, and rice cakes. Dumplings are especially meaningful because they resemble ancient Chinese gold ingots, symbolizing wealth. Fish also has a hidden meaning—it means "surplus," wishing us abundance in the coming year.
On New Year’s Eve, all of my relatives gathered at my grandparents' home. We had a big dinner together while watching the CCTV New Year Gala on TV. Afterward, we set off fireworks outside. The bright colors lit up the night sky, creating an atmosphere full of joy and celebration. As children, my cousin and I received lucky money in red envelopes from our elders. This tradition brings us both excitement and blessings.
The next morning, we visited neighbors and friends to wish them a happy new year. Everyone wore new clothes, and the streets were filled with laughter and greetings. For several days after the holiday, we continued visiting relatives and enjoying delicious meals. It felt like one long party!
Spring Festival is not just about traditions; it’s about love and connection. Through this time of reunion, I’ve learned how important it is to cherish family bonds and create lasting memories. I hope every future Spring Festival will bring even more happiness and blessings to everyone around me.