The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is the most important traditional holiday in China. It marks the beginning of a new year according to the lunar calendar and is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country.

During this time, people clean their homes to sweep away bad luck and welcome good fortune. They also decorate their houses with red paper cuts and couplets, which symbolize happiness and prosperity. Red is considered a lucky color in Chinese culture, so many people wear red clothes during the festival.

One of the most exciting parts of the Spring Festival is the family reunion dinner. Families gather together to enjoy delicious food, such as dumplings, fish, and rice cakes. These dishes have special meanings — for example, fish means "abundance" and rice cakes mean "progressing higher in life."

Another popular tradition is giving red envelopes (hongbao) filled with money to children and unmarried adults. This is believed to bring them good luck and blessings for the coming year.

Fireworks and firecrackers are also an important part of the celebration. They are used to scare away evil spirits and welcome the new year with joy and excitement.

In addition, many people travel during the Spring Festival to visit relatives or go on vacation. It is also a time when people make resolutions for the new year, hoping to achieve their goals and improve their lives.

Overall, the Spring Festival is not only a time for celebration but also a time for family, tradition, and hope. Through its rich customs and meaningful activities, it brings people together and strengthens cultural identity.

This English handout can be used as a template for a hand-copied newspaper, helping students learn about the Spring Festival while practicing their English writing skills.