In order to introduce American audiences to China's Spring Festival celebrations, cable news site CNN yesterday posted a special report summing up the holiday's unique aspects.

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First, while many outside of China call it Chinese New Year, in China the holiday is known as Spring Festival or the Lunar New Year. Moreover, it is not just celebrated in China. It is also celebrated in Vietnam, Korea and Japan.

Second, the holiday is a well known traffic nightmare as millions of Chinese people try, over a such a short period of time, to get home to their families for the holidays. Whether it means squeezing into a crowded bus, buying scalped tickets or standing in line for hours to buy a train ticket, travelers will do anything to get home to their families.

Third, Spring Festival is not a one day celebration but a multi-day, multi-event holiday.

Fourth, on the first day of the holiday, you want to live like a college student. You don't want to shower or do laundry or throw out the garbage because, according to custom, doing so will wash away your wealth and good luck.

Fifth, to avoid the criticism that single people, especially single women, get from their families when they return home, rent a boy or girlfriend services are available.

Sixth, there are many superstitions connected with Spring Festival. For example, you can't buy shoes but you can paste the character for "prosperity" upside-down on your door.

Seventh, fireworks and firecrackers are lit to scare away the "demons".

Eighth, you should wear red underwear during the holiday because in Chinese tradition, red is associated with luck, wealth and protection.

Ninth, while dessert are not generally common in Chinese eating customs, you want to eat a dessert during Spring Festival because it suggests that the year ahead will be sweet.

Tenth, Spring Festival celebrations are as diverse as the people celebrating it.