Navigating Lunar New Year with an Eating Disorder

In this blog, Butterfly Counsellor Amy shares gentle tips and advice around navigating Lunar New Year celebrations when you have lived experience of an eating disorder.

What is Lunar New Year? 

Lunar New Year is a 15-day celebration based on the Chinese Lunar Calendar that marks the start of a new year. In 2026, Lunar New Year begins on 17 February. Millions of people around the world, especially across East and Southeast Asia, will be celebrating the Year of the Horse based on Chinese zodiac. Whilst traditions and customs differ across countries and cultures, they are all rooted in the shared idea of renewal, letting go of the past and welcoming luck, happiness, and prosperity for the year ahead. 

How might Lunar New Year impact someone with an eating disorder? 

Lunar New Year often involves symbolic foods, family events and shared meals, which can make celebrations particularly challenging for someone with an eating disorder. The goal isn’t to “do it perfectly”, but to navigate the celebrations safely and with kindness toward yourself. If you are supporting a loved one, approach them with kindness and curiosity, and ask how you can best support them during the new year celebrations. 

Potential challenges during Lunar New Year celebrations 

1. Traditional symbolism during meals 

Many traditional Lunar New Year dishes carry symbolic meanings such as wealth, luck and a long life. Eating these dishes is often framed as “bringing in good luck” for the year ahead. This can feel overwhelming, particularly when it can involve eating specific amounts of certain foods on designated days.  

Helpful reminders: 

Wealth, luck, health, happiness and prosperity are symbolic traditions. They are not something you can lose or gain based on what or how much you eat.  

2. “Eat more!” pressure 

The pressure to “eat more!” can be very common during Lunar New Year and usually comes from loved ones wanting to share luck and prosperity through traditional dishes. While well-intentioned, this can feel uncomfortable and stressful. Showing appreciation for your loved one’s offer by thanking them can help acknowledge their generosity whilst gently moving the conversation away from food if needed.  

Helpful phrases: 

• “I’m full, but everything was delicious thank you” 
• “I’ve eaten enough to feel lucky already” 

3. Burnout with multi-day celebrations  

Lunar New Year celebrations last 15 days and during this time you may attend multiple social events such as reunion dinners with family, visits to friends’ homes, and shared community meals at work or at temples. These celebrations can be busy and demanding, so pacing yourself and caring for your wellbeing can help you enjoy them more fully and leave you feeling recharged for the new year.  

Helpful reminders:  

• It’s okay to skip a gathering, arrive late, or leave early. 
• You don’t need to attend every meal or event to be respectful. 
• Rest days between gatherings are valid and necessary. 

4. Buying new clothes and the pressure to wear red 

Lunar New Year traditions often encourage wearing new clothes, especially red and other bright colours, to ward off evil spirits and invite good fortune. While meaningful for many, this can feel challenging for some, particularly those navigating body image struggles, changes in their body, or a preference for quieter colours that don’t draw attention to their appearance. 

If you are buying new clothes:

• Consider bringing along someone supportive if clothes shopping feels triggering for you. 
• Prioritise comfort over the stated size on the label. Choose what you like wearing and what will help you feel most comfortable, rather than what you feel pressured to wear.  

If you don’t buy new clothes:

• That’s completely okay. “New” can simply mean wearing something you already own but haven’t worn before around family or friends. 
• New clothes are only one tradition among many, you can still welcome the new year and its meaning without them. 

If wearing red or bright colours feels difficult:

• You could try subtle touches of bright colours through socks, hair ties, jewellery or other accessories.  
• Remember that wearing red is symbolic, not a measure of your worth. You are worthy regardless of what you wear. 

Helpful reminders:

• “Good fortune comes from me, not my clothes” 
• “I can invite luck and prosperity through my actions and intention, not what I wear”  

Reframing Lunar New Year for recovery  

Lunar New Year celebrates renewal, resilience, and connection. It’s not about what you wear or how much symbolic food you eat. Traditions value your presence, not quantity or appearance. You are allowed to celebrate Lunar New Year in a way that honours your culture while nourishing your wellbeing. 

About the Author

Written by Amy Wong, a registered psychologist and Helpline Counsellor for Butterfly’s National Helpline (1800 ED HOPE). Amy is passionate about supporting people affected by eating disorders and body image concerns, with experience in outpatient day programs and youth mental health. She is dedicated to reducing stigma and improving access to care for CALD and migrant communities. 

Get Support

No matter how the eating disorder developed, recovery is possible, and Butterfly is here to help.

For confidential and free counselling, call the Butterfly National Helpline on 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673) or chat online or email, 7 days a week, 8am-midnight (AEDT).

Find an eating disorder professional – search Butterfly’s National Referral Database to find eating disorder practitioners closest to you.