Laba Festival

The Origin of Laba Festival

Laba Festival is a traditional Chinese festival, usually celebrated on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month. Originating in ancient agrarian society, it has a long history and rich cultural connotations. The earliest origins of Laba Festival lie in the sacrificial activities of ancient agricultural peoples. On this day, people would offer sacrifices to gods and Buddhas, praying for a bountiful harvest and peace.

Laba Festival is also one of the grand festivals in Buddhism. This day is the day when Buddha Shakyamuni attained enlightenment, and it is also known as the "Dharma Treasure Festival", "Buddha's Enlightenment Festival", "Enlightenment Assembly", etc.

Customs of Laba Festival

Laba Congee

On Laba Festival, families cook Laba congee together, a porridge made from rice, grains, beans, and other ingredients. Laba congee symbolizes a bountiful harvest and good fortune; people believe that eating it can ward off evil spirits, bring blessings, and ensure peace.

Laba Garlic

In northern China, families soak garlic cloves in vinegar on Laba Festival, sealing them for pickling. When opened on New Year's Eve, the garlic is fragrant and bright green. Eaten with dumplings, it's refreshing and a unique winter flavor.

Sweeping Dust

"Sweeping dust on Laba Festival, getting rid of the old and welcoming the new," after Laba Festival, every household begins cleaning their houses, sweeping away the dust and bad luck of the past year, preparing for the Spring Festival, and expressing their good wishes for a prosperous new year.

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