Laba Congee · Let's Master English

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Laba Congee

Laba Congee is a traditional Chinese sweet (or savory) porridge eaten on the Laba Festival, which falls on the 8th day of the 12th lunar month. With a history of over a thousand years, it has its roots in Buddhist culture—originally cooked by monasteries to commemorate Sakyamuni’s enlightenment and distributed to believers for blessings. Later, it became a beloved folk custom, symbolizing harvest and good fortune.

Typically, it’s made with a rich mix of glutinous rice, various beans (red beans, mung beans), nuts (peanuts, walnuts) and dried fruits (red dates, longans, raisins); regional recipes may add sweet osmanthus, rock sugar for sweetness, or diced meat and mushrooms for a savory taste in northern China. Families cook and share it on Laba Festival to pray for family health, a prosperous new year and the gathering of all blessings.

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