While we usually consider New Year’s Day as the beginning of a new year, the Chinese think differently. According to the Chinese calendar, what marks the start of a new year is Chinese New Year.

① ________

Chinese New Year is a traditional and very important Chinese holiday. It was originally a festival to honor ancestors as well as sacred beings（神灵）. It is also known as the Spring Festival.

② ________

Chinese New Year is celebrated through a number of traditions.

Red envelopes: Red is an important color in Chinese culture as it symbolizes good luck, wealth and joy. Money is given in red envelopes. The amount（金额） people receive is usually an even number. The amount cannot have four, as in Chinese tradition,   it means death.

Firecrackers: Firecrackers are popular during Chinese New Year. They are thought to scare off evil spirits. Some countries have stopped the use of firecrackers as they can be dangerous.

Lion and dragon dances: These dances are performed by highly-skilled acrobats（杂技演员）, under huge dragon and lion costumes. Drums are played along with the dance, to frighten away bad spirits. The dragon dance is a highlight（亮点） of the festivals around the world, and large crowds get together to watch it.

Food and families: It’s common for Chinese families to have a reunion dinner the night before Chinese New Year festivities begin. Chicken and prawns represent happiness, while noodles represent long life.

③ ________

Each year is named after a different animal. The story goes that the Jade Emperor requested the animals have a race so that he could decide the order of the Chinese years. He would name each year depending on the order the animals finished the race. Rat won the race, with the pig coming in last.

Do you know what an “open house” is? It is a kind of party to celebrate students completion (完成) of school. In some places, many students celebrate it with a dinner at home with their parents.     

Open houses are very popular with Americans. They usually have open houses in May, June and July. Sometimes people join more than one a day. Guests (客人) at an open house are usually the family’s friends or relatives (亲戚). Open houses are also a good time for students to get some money for their studies. Guests usually take small presents or cards with money.   

But not all open houses take place at home. Town halls, restaurants, parks and so on are also good choices. There is usually a place with tables and chairs, and people can eat, drink and talk there. There may also be a place for children to play games.