Chinese Culture| Laba Festival
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As one of the most beloved traditional festivals in China, the Laba Festival falls on the 8th day of the 12th month of thelunar calendar(usually in January of the Gregorian calendar). Rooted in ancient agricultural traditions and Buddhist culture, this festival marks the beginning of the countdown to the Spring Festival, the most important celebration in China.
Origins of Laba Festival
The festival has two main origins. One dates back to ancient times, when people heldsacrificeceremonies on this day to thank the gods for a good harvest and pray for good luck in the coming year. Another origin is linked to Buddhism: it is said that Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism, achieved enlightenment on this day after eating congee offered by a shepherdess. To honor this, temples cook special congee and distribute it to the public.
Traditional Customs
1. Eating Laba Congee
The most iconic custom of Laba Festival is cooking and eatingLaba congee. This hearty porridge is made with a mix of grains (like rice, millet, and oats), beans (such as red beans and mung beans), nuts (peanuts, chestnuts, and walnuts), and dried fruits (dates, raisins, and longans). Each ingredient carries a good wish: for example, red beans symbolize good luck, while dates represent sweetness in life. Families often cook a large pot of congee and share it with neighbors and friends, spreading warmth and joy.
2. Making Laba Garlic
In northern China, people love makingLaba garlicon this day. They peel garlic cloves and soak them in vinegar in a sealed jar. After a few weeks, the garlic turns green and takes on a tangy, slightly spicy flavor. It is usually served with dumplings or noodles during the Spring Festival, adding a refreshing kick to the meal.
3. Other Regional Customs
In some parts of China, people eatLaba noodlesinstead of congee. These noodles are cooked with various vegetables and meats, symbolizing a long and prosperous life. In southern regions, people might also make Laba tofu, a fermented tofu dish that is stored and eaten throughout the winter.
Vocabulary List
Lunar calendar —— nóng lì —— 农历：
Definition：A traditional calendar based on the moon’s cycles, used to set dates for many Asian festivals and agricultural activities.
Example：The Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar.
Countdown —— dào shǔ —— 倒数：
Definition：The act of counting backward from a number to zero, usually to mark the start of an important event like the New Year.
Example：We watched the countdown on TV and cheered when the clock struck midnight.
Sacrifice —— jì sì —— 祭祀：
Definition：A ritual where people offer food, animals, or gifts to gods, ancestors, or nature to show respect, give thanks, or ask for blessings.
Example：Ancient Chinese villagers held sacrifice ceremonies at the end of each harvest to thank the gods.
Prosperous —— fēng shēng shuǐ qǔ —— 风生水起：
Definition：Describing a person or business that is very successful, thriving, and full of good fortune.
Example：After years of hard work, his small shop became a prosperous business with many customers.
Enlightenment —— wù dào —— 悟道：
Definition：A state of deep spiritual understanding or wisdom, often achieved through meditation, study, or life experiences.
Example：The monk spent years in the mountains to seek enlightenment.
Iconic —— biāo zhì xìng de —— 标志性的：
Definition：Widely recognized as a symbol of a culture, place, or idea, and having special importance.
Example：Pandas are an iconic symbol of China loved by people all over the world.
Hearty —— fēng shèng de —— 丰盛的：
Definition：Describing food that is filling, substantial, and satisfying, with a rich flavor and large quantity.
Example：My mom made a hearty dinner of braised chicken, steamed fish, and fried rice for the family.
Tangy —— suān tián de —— 酸甜的：
Definition：Having a sharp, slightly sour taste that is fresh and pleasant, often found in pickled or fermented foods.
Example：The tangy taste of lemon juice makes the salad taste more delicious.
Fermented —— fā jiào de —— 发酵的：
Definition：Describing food that has been changed by microorganisms like bacteria or yeast to improve its flavor or preservation.
Example：Yogurt is a popular fermented food that is good for your digestive system.
Congee —— zhōu —— 粥：
Definition：A thick, warm porridge made by boiling rice or grains in water, often eaten for breakfast or when someone is sick.
Example：I eat congee with pickles and soft-boiled eggs every morning.
Garlic —— suàn —— 蒜：
Definition：A small, white bulb with a strong smell, used to add flavor to many dishes in Chinese cooking.
Example：Adding garlic to stir-fried vegetables makes them taste much more flavorful.
