Although festivals based on the moon’s inexorable cycle can be found throughout the world, the Chinese Lunar New Year is among the most lavish. Whether celebrated over a two week period or just the night before with a spectacular spread for a “reunion dinner” with family, vast arrays of food are part and (red) parcel of the fun. Veterans of multi-course formal Chinese banquets learn to pace themselves, as course after course of symbolic dishes emerge from the kitchen — each with a specific order and meaning, although customs and traditions vary in terms of regional and family favourites. Here’s a look at what you may see on tables during these festive times, with some ways to recreate some of those flavours at home.