LUNAR NEW YEAR
Lunar New Year:
What It Means, Symbolises and How to Celebrate
Lunar New Year is all about fresh beginnings, joyful gatherings and sharing incredible food. It’s a time to reflect on the year gone by and welcome good fortune, happiness and prosperity for the months ahead.
Every dish tells a story — from its symbolic meaning to centuries-old traditions passed down through generations. From dumplings representing wealth to long noodles symbolising longevity, food plays a powerful role in the celebrations.
It marks a fresh start for the year ahead, filled with hope and new opportunities. From flavourful feasts bursting with vibrant colours to zodiac symbolism woven into decorations and traditions, food and family are always at the heart of Lunar New Year.
The History of Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year dates back over 3,000 years in ancient China, where it began as a seasonal festival linked to harvests and family gatherings. Feasts played a central role, with foods chosen for their symbolic meaning: dumplings for wealth, fish for abundance, and rice cakes for growth. These dishes brought communities together and honoured ancestors while celebrating the promise of a prosperous year.
Over time, Lunar New Year spread across Southeast Asia, evolving into celebrations like Chinese New Year, Tết in Vietnam, and Seollal in Korea. Despite regional differences, food has remained a central feature, reflecting cultural values and aspirations.
Year of the Horse: Meaning and Culinary Symbolism
Each Lunar New Year aligns with one of the 12 zodiac animals. The Year of the Horse symbolises energy, freedom, and forward momentum. Traditionally, families celebrate with bold, flavourful dishes that represent vitality and prosperity, aligning with the horse’s spirited nature.
People born in the Year of the Horse are considered confident, independent, and ambitious. Celebratory foods are often rich, colourful, and shareable - reflecting both the zodiac traits and the communal spirit of the festival.
Horse years include: 1930, 1942 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, and 2038
Food to Celebrate Lunar New Year
Food plays a central role in Lunar New Year celebrations, and each dish carries symbolic meaning, turning shared meals into expressions of good fortune and togetherness. Popular Lunar New Year foods include:
- Dumplings – Shaped like ancient gold bars, symbolising wealth and prosperity
- Long Noodles – Representing longevity and a long, healthy life
- Whole Fish – A symbol of abundance and surplus for the year ahead
- Sticky Rice Cakes (Nian Gao) – Associated with growth, progress, and success
- Spring Rolls – Their golden colour symbolises wealth and good fortune
These celebratory dishes reflect the spirit of Lunar New Year: sharing, abundance, and starting the year surrounded by good food and good company.
The Symbolism of the Colour Red
Red is the colour of luck, happiness, and protection against negative energy. In Lunar New Year, red is everywhere: in decorations, clothing, and even the dishes themselves. Red foods such as prawns, sauces, and red-wrapped treats symbolise fortune and joy, inviting prosperity to every meal.
Wearing red and serving red foods connect diners to centuries of tradition, including the legend of Nian, the mythical beast frightened away by loud noises and the colour red. Red is believed to bring good fortune for the year ahead — and this year, it might just earn you something tasty too.
Celebrate Lunar New Year with Us
Lunar New Year is about more than dates and rituals - it’s about family, friends, and the food that brings us together. Every dish tells a story, every bite carries meaning, and every gathering creates memories.
You can celebrate Lunar New Year with us at Banana Tree, where bold flavours, shared plates, and festive spirit come together around the table. From dumplings to noodles and seasonal specials, our menu lets you honour tradition, enjoy delicious food, and welcome the year ahead.
FAQs
When is Lunar New Year this year?
Lunar New Year falls on the first new moon of the lunar calendar, so the exact date changes each year. In 2026, it begins on Sunday 9th February and celebrations typically last 15 days.
When can I claim my free side at Banana Tree?
You can claim your free side all day from 23rd–27th February when you wear something red! Terms & Conditions apply - please see below.
Why is red so important during Lunar New Year?
Red represents luck, happiness, and protection against negative energy. Wearing red, decorating homes with red lanterns, and giving red envelopes (hongbao) are traditional ways to invite prosperity and celebrate new beginnings.
What Banana Tree restaurants are offering the free side?
Good news! This offer is running at all our restaurants, with the exception on The O2 and Cardiff on Event Days - please check before ordering with the site directly.
What does the Year of the Horse mean?
The Year of the Horse is known for energy, freedom, and progress. In Chinese culture, the horse symbolises strength, independence, and ambition. People often embrace bold goals and forward movement during a Horse year.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Celebrate Lunar New Year at Banana Tree from 23rd February 2026 – 27th February 2026 with a free side when you wear red. Free side includes anything from the ‘Sides & Extras’ section of our menu. Red item of clothing must be visible to a member of our restaurant team to claim the offer. Must buy a drink to claim this offer. Offer is available all day during the stated time period. Dine in only. Not Available of Delivery or Click and collect. Excludes The O2 and Cardiff on Event Days (please check before ordering with the site directly). Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, discount or voucher including but not limited to set, group, brunch or lunch menus. Cash gift cards may be used as payment. Banana Tree reserves the right to remove or amend this offer at anytime without notice. Our 2-4-1 cocktail offer (where valid) is not effected by this offer. Menu availability may vary per location. No cash value. Only original vouchers may be presented, we will not accept screen shots or duplicates. This offer is only valid in GB.