In ancient China people celebrated the festival feasting and offering meat and grain, rewards for the work in the previous year, to family ancestors and spirits for their blessing. The holiday is now celebrated with such activities as putting up New Year door scrolls. Setting off firecrackers and fireworks displays, and eating glutinous- rive cakes.

On the festival's eve brightly lit colored lanterns are displayed throughout the country, and families get together for a sumptuous meal, called New year dinner or family-reunion dinner. The festival is a three-day national holiday.