On January 25, 2020, over a billion people in China and millions around the world will celebrate the Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival. The ancient tradition, {#blank#}1{#/blank#} date is determined by the lunar calendar and falls somewhere between January 21 and February 20 each year, is the{#blank#}2{#/blank#} (long) and most important of all Chinese festivals.

The preparations will {#blank#}3{#/blank#} (official) begin with Little Year on January 17, 2019. It is observed with a day of memorial and prayer ceremonies. Other Little Year activities include cleaning the house {#blank#}4{#/blank#}(sweep) away bad luck and hanging spring couplets —red decorations hung in pairs —on doorways for wealth. Since red {#blank#}5{#/blank#} (believe) to keep misfortune and evil spirits away, it can be noticed in everything from clothing to {#blank#}6{#/blank#}(lantern) used to decorate houses.

    Often {#blank#}7{#/blank#}  (consider) the most important meal of the year, the reunion dinner is both delicious and rooted in Chinese tradition. {#blank#}8{#/blank#}whole chicken symbolizes family togetherness, while long uncut noodles show longevity (长寿). Wealth is represented by dumplings and spring rolls. Children receive red envelopes filled {#blank#}9{#/blank#} money and inspiring messages from elders and are often allowed to stay up late to watch the {#blank#}10{#/blank#}(amaze) fireworks shows.

    The two-week long celebrations will end on February 8 — the day of the full moon — with the Lantern Festival.