The Laba Festival, celebrated on the eighth day of the 12th lunar month, falls on January 18 this year. This vibrant festival serves as the prelude to the Spring Festival, signaling the beginning of preparations for the grand festivities to come.
At the heart of the Laba Festival is the tradition of enjoying Laba congee. This special dish is meticulously prepared with a mix of eight ingredients, a number considered highly auspicious in Chinese culture. The congee not only delights the palate but also symbolizes prosperity and good fortune for the upcoming year.
The recipe for Laba congee varies across different regions of China, reflecting the diverse culinary landscape of the country. Common ingredients include a variety of grains and dried items such as rice, glutinous rice, millet, corn, barley, dried dates, dried lotus seeds, dried longan fruit, red beans, peanuts, and walnuts. This regional diversity ensures that each bowl of Laba congee tells a unique story of local flavors and traditions.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com