The Laba Festival, observed on the eighth day of the lunar calendar's twelfth month, is a time-honored traditional festival with a rich history. Its origins and customs blend religious, sacrificial, and folk traditions. Below is a detailed introduction to the Laba Festival's history and customs:
The origin of Laba Festival
1.Worshiping ancestors and gods: Since the pre Qin period, the Laba Festival has been a festival used to worship ancestors and gods, pray for a bountiful harvest and good luck.
2.Buddhist Enlightenment Day: According to Buddhist records, Shakyamuni attained enlightenment and became a Buddha on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, hence Laba Festival is also known as the "Buddha Enlightenment Festival".
3.Legend: It is said that when Zhu Yuanzhang was imprisoned, he dug out grains and miscellaneous grains from a mouse hole. Later, he designated the Laba Festival to commemorate this special day. There is also the custom of "beating ghosts with red beans", and the story of people sending "thousand Congee" when Yue Fei fought against Jin Dynasty.
