the lunar new year is a great occasion to the chinese people. it lasts about the first four days of the year， during which people do not work except for the workers on duty. students do not go to school， and shops are closed.
several days before the new year， people begin to prepare. farmers kill pigs， sheep， cocks and hens. city dwellers buy meat fish and vegetables. houses are cleaned； coupletsare posted on the doors. colourful lanterns are hung at the gate.
on the eve of the new year， each family has its members gatherd together and eats a family reunion dinner. after the meal they watch tv until the clock strickes twelve. then every family sets off long strings of small firecrackers and other fire works to welcome the new year. on the first day of the new year， almost everyone is dressed in his or her best. when people meet on the way， they say to each other happy new year. friends and relatives pay new year calls and gives presents to each other. children indulge themselves in games.
碧蕊轻笑戏东风，双燕飞飞舞帘栊。
一抹云烟深巷里，几段苏绣红阁中。
熙光锁尽青丝柳，嫩芽偷探几点羞。
沙堤浅浅野草色，石下淅淅春水流。
曲槛堪游赏，小窗丝屏染梅香。
遥传书声朗，红袖少年惜韶光。
水晶帘，碧纱悬，杏花影，漾玉天。
莺花二月正好景，闲卧晴川数对鸳。
弄青管，拨五弦，指尖妙音绕梁翩。
锦绣湖畔东风岸，画船微动传嬉言。
春锁江南游人乐，愿把金枝换旅钱。
安徽省马鞍山市第二十二中学高三：马莉莉
