A Chinese folk art professor from Nanjing University has urged the government to lodge an application to list Spring Festival on the register of the world's intangible cultural heritage as soon as possible.

In an interview with Nanjing-based Morning News, Chen Jing, a senior expert on Chinese traditional festivals, advised the relevant department to start working to lodge the application as soon as possible to revive national consciousness of traditional holidays.

He said he regrets the fact the traditional Chinese cultural practices have declined due to neglect and the impact of western cultures.

He also blamed commercials published by profit-hungry business, saying they are not helping to protect China's own culture.

Chen said Spring festival customs vary from place to place in China. All of them deserve protection.

The Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year, is the most important holiday in the country. People always celebrate by having a big family dinner and taking part in different pageants.

Editor: Xu Shenglan