Happy Laba Day!
The 8th day of the 12th month marks the beginning of the celebrations of the Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, in other words the middle of winter. This tradition, which has been celebrated for over a thousand years, is called the Laba Festival.
Its origin dates back to the beginning of the Sui Dynasty, when Buddhism was at its peak in China. Temples around the country have set up kitchens for the poor and homeless and are organizing activities to entertain them. Over the centuries, the Laba Festival has lost its religious connotation. Above all, it has become an occasion for the people to celebrate. Let's take a look with Qing Song on the dishes offered as part of this festival.
At the beginning of the Laba Festival, most households in northern regions of China make a special porridge. This is no ordinary tasteless rice porridge. Laba porridge is sometimes composed of more than 20 ingredients, including rice, beans, nuts or raisins.
Pickled garlic strips are another tradition, but it takes patience. Now is the time to start the dip so they are ready for the New Year.
Watch the video of this article :