Chu Xi, originally meaning'replacement of year' is the day to rid yourself of the old and stale things in your life and replace them with something new. Thus, this day marks the end of the Chinese Lunar calendar. Chu means‘removal’and Xi refers to ‘night.’Chu Xi has a special meaning in the hearts of the Chinese people. On this day, people from all around the world go back to their hometown to reunite with their families.

The annual reunion dinner is the time to express the love and mutual respect shared among family members.People from Northern China are accustomed to making Jiao Zi (steamed dumplings), which symbolizes prosperity and fortune for the New Year, while Southern people prefer to eat Nian Gao (new year cake made of glutinous rice flour), which has a homonym signifying promotion and prosperity every year.

Chun Lian (Spring Festival Couplets) are poetry lines written on red paper scrolls to express people’s excitement for the New Year. This unique literary form consists of two lines on separate scrolls with parallel structure and must be related in meaning. When Chinese New Year approaches, every family selects a pair of bright red Chun Lian to put on their gateposts or door panels to create a festive atmosphere.