Some residents of rural Human still believe in old-style Spring Festival celebrations but fear that traditions may be lostthey're protected,Liu Xiangrui reports.

    Spring Festival,(celebrate)from the first to the 15th day of the first lunar month,is undoubtedly the most (significance)cultural event in a year for Chinese.

    Like in other parts of the country,preparations for the festival start early every year,with food(play)a key role.In rural Yueyang,for instance,such delicacies as tofu and smoked pork are prepared a month or two  advance. Then,there are specific days for certain activities.People offer prayers to the Kitchen God on the 23rd of the last lunar month,so that he puts in a good word about the host family when hereturn)to heaven to file an"annual report"the next day.

    The festival is celebrated by putting updecorate)in house,lighting firecrackers,worshipping ancestors and staying up late on the eve of the Chinese New Year.

    The night before the year begins is the highlight of the festivalthose working in faraway cities try to rush homecatch)the family reunion dinner.Some families have unique menus for this special meal Fish,which symbolizes prosperity in Chinese culture,ismust