For Chinese all over the world, today is the happiest day of the year. The Spring Festival, the most important holiday of the year, is a time for family reunions. This means going home if possible, no matter how far away one lives.

Well begun is half done. This conviction is deeply rooted in Chinese culture.

The Spring Festival is the most important traditional Chinese holiday. Historians generally agree that the festival was first celebrated back in the Han Dynasty. 2,000 years on, the basic forms of celebration have changed very little.

Shen Ping, research fellow of Capital Museum, China, said, "Spring Festival has greatly strengthened the unity of the Chinese nation. The most important cultural meaning of the Spring Festival is the necessity of family reunions at this time of the year. Many ancient practices during the festival have now faded. But everyone still values family reunions. With reunions at its core, the festival has become a strong unifying force in Chinese culture."

A complete Spring Festival celebration begins on the 8th day of the last month of the lunar year, and lasts until the Lantern Festival five weeks later. During the lengthy preparation period leading to the big day, people keep themselves busy each day with different designated tasks.

And finally, with much anticipation and hard work, the family dinner on New Year's Eve.

Shen Ping, research fellow of Capital Museum, China, said, "The details of Spring Festival celebration are changing. But people's constant pursuit of goodness in life remains unchangeable. The Spring Festival customs collectively reflect Chinese people's longing for the prosperity and happiness of the nation and their families."

China is changing fast. As the country rapidly modernizes, it has relinquished many ways of life that are incompatible with the current situation. But some traditions and customs continue. For one thing, the Spring Festival is still full of life, a precious time for everyone.

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