Notes from the editor：Spring Festival is an important tradition in China.It has unique meanings.However, people may understand it differently, including those from other cultures.Here are three readers' accounts to our magazine, who shared their experiences and views about it.
Tom Jenkins
a_16yearold_exchange_student_living_in_Nanjing
It was my first time spending Spring Festival in China with my host family①.[1]Spring Festival is highly② valued③ by every Chinese family.Preparations began a week before the festival.First, the house was cleaned from top to bottom④.My host mother Mrs Chen said this was to sweep away⑤ the dirt of the past year and get ready for the new year.
Next, the Chinese character⑥ Fu was attached⑦ upside down⑧ to our front door.It is believed that when Fu is put upside down, happiness arrives.[2]The character looked really cool.
The greatest excitement began the night before Spring Festival.Fireworks were being let off⑨ across the city, suddenly lighting up⑩ the night sky.[3]Children were covering their ears but with an expectant? look? on their faces.[4]Mrs Chen said that it was to scare away? the monster Nian.The fireworks were a lot of fun! We then sat together to enjoy a big dinner, wishing everyone a happy new year.
