Editor’s note: The Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year, is close at hand. This year, Lunar New Year's Day falls on Jan. 28. Being the most important festival among the many Chinese traditional holidays, Spring Festival sees an extended celebration lasting several weeks and a revival of ancient traditions.

The origin of the Chinese Lunar New Year can be traced back thousands of years through a continually evolving series of colorful legends and traditions. Here, China.org.cn shares some ancient traditions followed during the first 15 days of the new lunar year to recall those sweet moments and look forward to prosperity in the coming months.

The Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year, is close at hand. This year, Lunar New Year's Day falls on Jan. 28. [Photo/VCG]

Lunar New Year's Eve

The most treasured part of the Spring Festival is the opportunity of reunion, just like Christmas in the West. No matter how far away from their homes, people always try their best to get back to join the Lunar New Year's Eve feast, also called the reunion dinner.

Lunar New Year's Eve, of course, is the last day of the old year. Homes have been cleaned so as to be spotless inside and out, doors and windows are decorated with brand new Spring Festival couplets, New Year's pictures, hangings, and images of the Door God; everyone dresses up in their holiday best decorated with lucky patterns and auspicious colors.

Day 1 - Lunar New Year's Day

On the first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year, people will go to visit their relatives and friends' homes early in the morning to offer regards and congratulations. The younger generation can receive New Year gift money from the older, usually in a traditional red envelope. These customs have been passed down through many generations.

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