Laba 腊八
Overview
Laba falls on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month. Its central observance is the eating of a mixed-grain porridge, and it marks the beginning of the end-of-year sequence.
Meaning
The eighth day of the twelfth lunar month — the porridge that opens the new year preparations.
Traditional Interpretation
The festival carries a Buddhist layer alongside the customary one. In the calendar's structure it is the first of the closing observances, with Xiaonian and Chuxi following.
Related Concepts
FAQ
What is laba 腊八 in the Chinese calendar?
The eighth day of the twelfth lunar month — the porridge that opens the new year preparations. Laba falls on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month. Its central observance is the eating of a mixed-grain porridge, and it marks the beginning of the end-of-year sequence.
When does laba 腊八 fall?
Its date is set by the lunar month, so it moves against the solar calendar. The eighth day of the twelfth lunar month — the porridge that opens the new year preparations. Laba is the opening of a three-stage close to the year — Laba, Xiaonian, New Year's Eve — which is the calendar's clearest example of a festival sequence rather than isolated dates.
How is laba 腊八 read in Chinese tradition?
The festival carries a Buddhist layer alongside the customary one. In the calendar's structure it is the first of the closing observances, with Xiaonian and Chuxi following. It is grouped under Earth (土) in the five-element system.
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