Changes

The '''Spring Festival''', known as the '''Chinese New Year''' in Western countries, is an important [[Chinese]] holiday which marks the beginning of the [[Lunar Year]]. It lasts for fifteen days, and each day has a different meaning and celebration.

The '''Spring Festival''', known as the '''Chinese New Year''' in Western countries, is an important [[Chinese]] holiday which marks the beginning of the [[Lunar Year]]. It lasts for fifteen days, and each day has a different meaning and celebration. The upcoming Spring Festival begins on February 14.

==Origins==

==Origins==

==Traditions==

==Traditions==

There are many customs connected to the Spring Festival. Some of the more religious customs are only practiced in some households.

There are many customs connected to the Spring Festival. Some of the more religious customs are only practiced in [[Daoist]] or [[Buddhist]] households.

===Food===

===Food===

A central element of the Spring Festival is sharing meals with relatives. Certain foods are traditionally served during the festival; these include [[jiaozi]], [[niangao]] and [[fat choy]]. A fish dish is usually served on the first day. However, many families - especially [[Buddhist]] families - fast on the eighth day.

A central element of the Spring Festival is sharing meals with relatives. Certain foods are traditionally served during the festival; these include [[jiaozi]], [[niangao]] and [[fat choy]]. A fish dish is usually served on the first day. However, many families - especially Buddhist families - fast on the eighth day.

===Red Envelopes===

===Red Envelopes===

Throughout the week, older people distribute "lucky money" in red envelopes to children. Traditionally, the amount of money is based on Chinese [[numerology]]. For good luck reasons, the first number of the sum is always odd; however, the number four is often worked into the amount as well.

Throughout the week, older people distribute "lucky money" in red envelopes to children. Traditionally, the amount of money is based on Chinese [[numerology]]. For good luck reasons, the first number of the sum is always odd; however, the number four is often worked into the amount as well. In the United States, $4 and $14 are common sums.

===Fireworks===

===Fireworks===