Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important traditional holiday in China. It marks the beginning of the lunar new year and usually falls between late January and mid-February. Families come together to celebrate with special meals, fireworks, and various cultural activities. Each year is associated with one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac, which influences the year's characteristics. During this festive time, people decorate their homes with red lanterns and couplets to bring good luck. The celebration lasts for 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival. Many also give and receive red envelopes filled with money as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity.