【正文】
carried on from generation to generation. The term Guo Nian, which may mean Survive the Nian bees today Celebrate the (New) Year as the word guo in Chinese having both the meaning of passover and observe. The custom of putting up red paper and firing firecrackers to scare away Nian should it have a chance to run loose is still around. However, people today have long forgotten why they are doing all this, except that they feel the color and the sound add to the excitement of the celebration. Traditional New Year Foods Probably more food is consumed during the New Year celebrations than any other time of the year. Vast amounts of traditional food is prepared for family and friends, as well as those close to us who have died. On New Year39。s Day are celebrated as a family affair, a time of reunion and thanksgiving. The celebration was traditionally highlighted with a religious ceremony given in honor ofHeaven and Earth(萬物), the gods of the household and the family ancestors. The sacrifice to the ancestors, the most vital of all therituals(儀式), united the living members with those who had passed away. Departed relatives are remembered with great respect because they were responsible for laying the foundations for the fortune and glory of the family. The presence of the ancestors is ackn