<p class="ql-block">The twelve Chinese Zodiacs, including eleven animals in the nature and a national totem, play an important role in the Chinese traditional culture. The twelve symbolic animals have their own characteristics. In the Year of Dragon or the Year of Tiger, people will say shenglonghuohu—full of vim and vigor; in the Year of Horse, people will say madaochenggong—to gain an immediate success. In Chinese eyes, pig is a “treasure”. Ox is a symbol of diligence, which is well presented in the verse by Lu Xun一an outstanding writer in China, “head bowed, like a willing ox I serve the children”.</p> <p class="ql-block">Staying Up Late on New Year‘s Eve 守歲</p><p class="ql-block">The tradition of staying up late to see New Year in originated from an interesting folk tale. In ancient China there lived a monster named Year，who was very ferocious. Year always went out from its burrow on New Year’s Eve to devour people. Therefore， on every New Year’s Eve，every household would have supper together.</p><p class="ql-block">After dinner，no one dared go to sleep and all the family members would sit together，chatting and emboldening each other. Gradually the habit of staying up late on New Year’s Eve is formed. Thus in China， "celebrating the Spring Festival” is also called "passing over the year (guo nian)”。 However，now there are less and less people in cities who will stay up late to see New Year in.</p> <p class="ql-block">Spring Festival is the most important festival in China .It’s to celebrate the lunar calendar ‘s new year .In the evening before the Spring Festival ,families get together and have a big meal .In many places people like to set off firecrackers .Dumplings are the most traditional food .Children like the festival very much ,because they can have delicious food and wear new clothes .They can also get some money from their parents. This money is given to children for good luck . People put New Year scrolls on the wall for good fortune . The Spring Festival lasts about 15 days long .People visit relatives and friends with the words “Have all your wishes ”. People enjoy the Spring Festival ,during this time they can have a good rest .</p> <p class="ql-block">Wish you all a happy new year!Academic success！</p>