The Chinese New Year is the most important holiday for ethnic Chinese people all around the world. The Chinese calendar and dates are traditionally based on changes of the moon. They are not based on the sun. The New Year starts at the beginning of this lunar (moon) calendar. It is also called the Spring Festival.

The Chinese New Year is celebrated for fifteen days. On Chinese New Year's Eve, families come together to eat a meal in the evening. This meal is called the reunion dinner. No matter how far away they are, Chinese people will try to visit with their families at least this one time of the year.