The origin of Laba Festival?

Laba Festival is a traditional festival in China, usually on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, hence the name Laba. Laba Festival has a long history and is related to agriculture, religious belief and solar terms.

Agricultural customs: Laba Festival is on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, which is in the cold winter. In ancient times, in order to cope with the cold weather, people needed health supplements. Therefore, Laba Festival has become an important festival. People will hold a series of celebrations on this day and eat some healthy food at the same time.

Buddhist tradition: Laba Festival also has the influence of Buddhism. According to legend, Sakyamuni was born on the eighth day of the second lunar month and became a Buddha on the same day. Therefore, Laba Festival has become an important festival for Buddhists, and temples and believers will pray and give alms.

Concept of solar terms: Laba Festival is also related to the twelfth lunar month in the twenty-four solar terms. In the traditional concept of solar terms in China, the twelfth lunar month represents the last month of winter, and Laba Festival marks the beginning of winter. By celebrating Laba, people express their welcome to winter and their expectations for the new year.

Diet custom: Laba Festival has a traditional diet custom, which is to eat Laba porridge. Laba porridge is a kind of porridge made of nuts, beans and preserved fruits, which symbolizes harvest and reunion. Eating Laba porridge is also considered to be helpful for health care.

Generally speaking, Laba Festival is a meaningful festival in China traditional culture, which combines the concepts of agriculture, religion and solar terms. Nowadays, people still hold a series of celebrations on Laba Festival to carry forward this ancient tradition.