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Laba Festival—“Porridge” Brings Prosperity to Everything
Category:
Team building
Author:
Tang Xu
Source:
Group Trade Department
Release time:
2022-12-30
Visits:
66
As the old saying goes, “On the seventh and eighth days of the twelfth lunar month, even your chin might freeze off!” Today is the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month—the traditional Chinese festival known as Laba Festival, also referred to as the “Festival of Treasures” or the “Buddha’s Enlightenment Festival.” Legend has it that this festival originally commemorated the day when Shakyamuni Buddha attained enlightenment. Over time, however, through successive generations of evolution, it gradually became a well-known folk festival celebrated by people across China. On this day, families honor their ancestors and deities, praying for favorable weather, abundant harvests, and peace and prosperity for their households in the coming year.
On Laba Day, people across China have the custom of drinking Laba porridge, which symbolizes the joy and anticipation of the working people for a bountiful harvest. Different regions also have their own unique customs: In northern China, many people pickle garlic in vinegar, turning it into translucent cloves that resemble emerald jade; in Yixian County, Anhui Province, every household traditionally dries and prepares Laba tofu; and in the Guanzhong region of Shaanxi Province, renowned for its noodle dishes, people enjoy a bowl of Laba noodles every year on Laba morning.
Laba Festival is the prelude to the festive atmosphere of the New Year, and its arrival signals that the New Year is just around the corner. People begin cleaning their homes and preparing for the New Year’s festivities. On Laba Festival, one can’t help but long for the flavors of home—whether it’s a steaming bowl of Laba porridge, crisp and fragrant Laba garlic pickled in jade-green brine, or golden, soft Laba tofu—all these dishes evoke the taste of home and serve as a cherished reminder of childhood memories, allowing one’s homesickness to find solace and expression.
In today’s affluent material conditions, perhaps the Laba porridge may no longer qualify as a gourmet delicacy. Yet the warmth conveyed by this traditional Chinese custom—of sharing a bowl of porridge and a clove of garlic during the festival—is a sentiment that we, the descendants of Hua Xia, must never forget.
“Little kids, don’t be tempted—after Laba Festival comes the New Year.” Year after year, even amid hardships, there’s sweetness to be found. Don’t worry, don’t feel sad—another brand-new year is just around the corner.
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