中国春节：历史、传统和庆祝活动

Dear Mike,

It's great to hear from you! I'm happy to introduce you to the Chinese Spring Festival, the most important festival in China, celebrated by people from all walks of life. Here's some information about it.

The Spring Festival has a long history, dating back over 4,000 years to the Shang Dynasty. It marks the first day of the lunar calendar, usually falling between late January and mid-February. The festival originated from the legend of Nian, a beast that preyed on people during the winter. People learned to scare the beast away by using firecrackers and the color red. This is why using firecrackers and decorating in red became part of the Spring Festival tradition.

The Spring Festival is a time for family reunions. People return to their hometowns to celebrate with their families. The festival lasts for 15 days, each day with unique customs and traditions. Some of the most popular activities include cleaning the house, making dumplings, watching lion and dragon dances, and setting off fireworks. On the eve of the festival, families gather for a big feast and watch the Spring Festival Gala on TV.

If you'd like to experience the Spring Festival firsthand, I warmly invite you to come to China and celebrate with us. You'll have the chance to taste traditional Chinese food, join in the festivities, and learn about our culture. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time.

Best regards,

Li Hua