The whole country is celebrating. All worries, sadness and anxieties are gone on New Year's Eve. Spring Festival is the most important traditional Chinese holiday. Historians generally agree it was first celebrated 2-thousand years ago, in the Han Dynasty.

Shen Ping, researcher fellow of Capital Museum of 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."

Red is a lucky color for Chinese. From ancient times to nowadays, it's been used to lend a festive atmosphere.

Food is always important in Chinese culture. These dainties are rare in today's Chinese homes. They demonstrate the care and effort previous generations put into celebrating the lunar new year.

The entire cycle of 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. In the lead up to the big day, people keep busy with a designated tasks for each day.

And finally, after a lot of hard work and careful preparation, the family dinner on New Year's Eve.

Shen said, "The details of Spring Festival celebration are changing. But people's constant pursuit of the good things in life remains unchanged. The Spring Festival customs collectively reflect Chinese people's longing for the prosperity and happiness of the nation and their families."

The old-time customs preserved in the museum can still generate warm feelings. The age with which they are associated shines with elegance and composure, in sharp contrast with today's hustle and bustle.

Shen said, "Amnesia is miserable for individuals and nations alike. Our age-old traditions and customs are still alive. The tempo of modern society is so quick. Everyone is keen to seek success, get rich and make themselves known. Life in the past used to be so slow. And people's state of mind was so composed and tranquil. Today's people can learn a lot from it."

2010 is the year of Tiger. In Chinese tradition, the animal is brave, active and passionate. People born in the Year of Tiger are thought to make good leaders, just like the King of the Beasts.