Chinese New Year is one of (important) celebrations in the Chinese calendar. It is also known as the Spring Festival because it celebrates the start of new life and the season for (plant) crops.
Chinese New Year starts with the new moon on the first day of the new year and it doesn't end the moon is the brightest 15 days later.
Just before Chinese New Year, people clean the houses. They decorate them with pieces of paper with words meaning "Happiness"and "Wealth" written on them. Some couplets (对联) (put) on the front door. On Chinese New Year's Eve, families get together and have an unusual meal (happy). Of course, the popular food is dumplings.
Chinese New Year lasts fifteen days, so during these days, people always visit their relatives and friends. It is a good time to relax (they). Children always feel excited because they can get some (luck) money wrapped in red envelopes.
One of the most interesting parts of Chinese New Year (be) the dragon dance or lion dance. dragons made out of paper, silk and bamboo are really lively. Chinese people think of dragons as helpful, friendly animals which symbolize long life wisdom. At the same time people also like to set off fireworks to welcome the new year.
