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Date The eighth day of the twelfth month in the Chinese calendar. Jan. 26th in 2007.
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Way of celebration Cooking Laba porridge.
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| Origin |
| When Sakyamuni was on his way into the high mountains in his quest for understanding and enlightenment, he grew tired and hungry. Exhausted from days of walking, he passed into unconsciousness by a river in . A shepherdess found him there and fed him her lunch— a porridge made with beans and rice. Sakyamuni was thus able to continue his journey. After six years of strict discipline, he finally realized his dream of full enlightenment on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month. Ever since, monks have prepared rice porridge on the eve of this date and held a ceremony the following day, during which they chant sutras and offer porridge to Buddha. Thus, the tradition of eating Laba porridge is based in religion, although over time the food itself has become a popular winter dish, especially in cold northern . According to written records, large Buddhist temples would offer Laba porridge to the poor to show their faith to Buddha. In the Ming Dynasty about 500 years ago, it became such a holy food that emperors would offer it to their officials during festivals. As it gained favor in the feudal upper class, it also quickly became popular throughout the country. |
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| Other |
| In China, the twelfth month of lunar year is called "La (腊) month," and the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month is thus called "Laba Festival" (腊八节). |
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| Vocabulary |
腊八粥 
là bā zhōu
Laba porridge |
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Perhaps grannnies cooking laba porridge. ;)
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Laba porridge, yummy!
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Courtesy of China.org.cn
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