Laba Festival, which falls on Jan 7 this year, is celebrated on the eighth day of the twelfth month of the traditional Chinese calendar. As the saying goes, "After Laba, Spring Festival draws near," indicating that the festive atmosphere grows more vibrant from this day onward.

The origins of the Laba Festival are steeped in various legends, but it is clear that Laba was originally meant to honor ancestors, pray for a bountiful harvest, and bless the upcoming year.

In many regions of China, Laba Festival is celebrated by savoring a warm bowl of Laba porridge. This porridge is typically a blend of various grains and beans, often including ingredients such as rice, red dates, lotus seeds, red beans, and peanuts. Some recipes are so intricate that they require more than 20 different ingredients. Preparation begins the night before, involving tasks like washing rice, soaking fruits, peeling, pitting, and carefully selecting each component.

Over time, Laba porridge has incorporated many regional flavors. In some northern parts of Shaanxi province, for example, the porridge is enhanced with dried fruits, tofu, and meat alongside the traditional rice and beans. In Sichuan province, it is known for its spicy variations.

In addition to Laba porridge, the festival involves a variety of other traditional customs, such as making garlic, drying tofu, and cleaning homes.

Vocabulary:

腊八节

là bā jié

Laba Festival

农历

nóng lì

traditional Chinese calendar

祭祀祖先

jì sì zǔ xiān

honor ancestors

腊八粥

là bā zhōu

Laba porridge

腊八蒜

là bā suàn

Laba garlic

“腊月”指的是中国农历的十二月。

"là yuè" zhǐ de shì zhōng guó nóng lì de shí èr yuè

La yue refers to the twelfth month in the traditional Chinese calendar.

过了腊八就是年。

guò le là bā jiù shì nián

After Laba, Spring Festival draws near.

在中国的许多地方，人们在腊八节这天会享用一碗热腾腾的腊八粥。

zài zhōng guó de xǔ duō dì fang, rén men zài là bā jié zhè tiān huì xiǎng yòng yī wǎn rè téng téng de là bā zhōu

In many parts of China, Laba Festival is celebrated by savoring a warm bowl of Laba porridge.

Source: Official WeChat account of Baoshan district government at "sh-baoshan"