At the same time, a simplified ritual life is now the rule in Han communities. In general, though, birthdays are not considered important occasions in China, and are celebrated more by the young than the old, and more in cities than in the countryside. As regards weddings, it may be different. A marriage becomes legal when a couple acquires a marriage certificate. Thus the marriage ceremony takes place separately from the legal proceedings and takes the form of a gathering where friends and family members offer their congratulations to the newly-weds.
People still observe the tradition and celebrate a wide variety of festivals.
In post-1949 China, the Spring Festival has become a national holiday which is celebrated throughout the entire country for at least a week. Spring Festival carnivals vary from place to place, offering lantern and flower displays and the ever- popular lion and dragon dances. Usually on the doors of every house, there will be two strips of red paper with good-luck couplets pasted symmetrically. Similar to Christmas in the western countries, Spring Festival is the most celebrated holiday in China. Almost all the factories and companies nationwide allow at least a week's off.