The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is a time of celebration with a rich tapestry of customs and traditions. Here are some of the common practices in English:

1. Spring Cleaning: Families thoroughly clean their homes to sweep away bad luck and make way for good fortune in the new year.

2. Red Decorations: Red, symbolizing luck and happiness, is prevalent in decorations such as lanterns, couplets, and paper cuttings.

3. Fireworks and Firecrackers: These are set off to ward off evil spirits and attract good luck.

4. New Year's Eve Dinner: A feast with symbolic dishes such as fish (for prosperity), dumplings (for wealth), and longevity noodles.

5. Family Reunion: Many people travel home to reunite with their families, especially the elderly.

6. Wearing New Clothes: It's customary to wear new clothes on New Year's Day for good luck.

7. Gift-giving: Red envelopes containing money are given to children and the elderly as a gesture of good will.

8. Paying Respect to Ancestors: Families visit ancestral tombs to pay their respects and offer food and incense.

9. Dragon and Lion Dances: These traditional performances are believed to bring good luck and fortune.

10. Nian Gao: A sweet sticky rice cake, symbolizing growth and prosperity.

11. Folk Performances: Traditional performances like the Chinese opera and dragon boat races are held to entertain and bring good luck.

12. Taboo Practices: Certain activities are avoided, such as sweeping the floor or washing clothes on New Year's Day to prevent the washing away of good luck.

These customs vary across different regions of China, but they all contribute to the vibrant and festive atmosphere of the Spring Festival.