Happy New Year of the Rat of 2020! [Photo by Wang Yawen/chinadaily.com.cn] 

2020 marks the Year of the Rat according to the Chinese zodiac. Jan 25, the first day of the Lunar New Year, is the beginning of Spring Festival. It ends on Feb 8, which is the Lantern Festival.

The reunion dinners on Lunar New Year's Eve, firecrackers, couplets, and temple fairs are still the necessary ways to celebrate Spring Festival. 

New Year's Eve or Spring Festival Eve is celebrated as a time of family reunions. Children who work or study outside their hometown, return home to celebrate the festival with their family. 

People visit friends and relatives' homes to give their New Year's greetings on the first day of the New Year. They use auspicious words to pray for good luck in the New Year.

The second day is for sons-in-law to pay respect to their parents-in-law. 

On the third day, an old saying goes: "A fat pig at the door," meaning the arrival of good luck and happiness.

The 15th day of the New Year marks China’s traditional Lantern Festival. Hanging lanterns and guessing lantern riddles are the traditions of the day. 

Typical food on that day for northerners is Yuanxiao, a ball-shaped dessert made with glutinous rice. Southerners eat Tangyuan, a similar meal made with different techniques. 

Best wishes to everyone for your happiness and health in the New Year!