请给我写一篇250字的英文短文，介绍中国的春节。内容需要包括春节的历史、通常的庆祝方式以及它对中国人的重要性。请注意不要超过字数的限制。
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The Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, marks the beginning of a new lunar year and is the most important traditional holiday in China, dating back over 3,500 years. Its origins are shrouded in myths and legends, but most notably, it is associated with the ancient fear of a mythical beast called Nian, which would come out on New Year's Eve to devour livestock, crops, and people. To ward off Nian, people decorated their homes with red paper and set off firecrackers, giving rise to many traditions that continue today.

Celebrations for the Spring Festival typically last for 15 days, from the eve of the lunar new year to the Lantern Festival. On New Year's Eve, families gather for a reunion dinner, with dishes symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. Red envelopes, containing money, are given to children as a blessing. Streets and homes are adorned with red lanterns and couplets, and fireworks light up the sky, creating a festive atmosphere.

For Chinese people, the Spring Festival is more than just a holiday; it is a time to honor deities and ancestors, strengthen familial bonds, and embrace the hope and renewal that the new year brings. It encapsulates the essence of Chinese culture and continues to be a cherished tradition, regardless of geographical boundaries.
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