There are many theories about the origin of Laba Congee, one of which is widely spread: as early as in ancient times, farmers would cook Congee on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month with all kinds of miscellaneous grains, beans, dried fruits, etc. harvested that year to thank nature for its gifts. This custom has continued to this day and has become a traditional symbol of the Laba Festival.
From another perspective, Laba Congee expresses people’s expectations and blessings for life. In ancient times, society attached great importance to food, which was not only a necessity for survival, but also a reflection of culture. The ingredients used for Laba Congee cover grains, beans, fruits and other elements, symbolizing a rich life.
The ingredients and preparation method of Laba Congee
1、 Common ingredients
Laba Congee usually consists of more than eight ingredients, including:
Rice: As the main ingredient of Laba Congee, it symbolizes harvest and peace.
Xiaomi: symbolizes family happiness.
Red beans: representing reunion, sweetness, and happiness.
Green beans: symbolizing freshness and health, removing negative energy.
Black rice: symbolizes mystery and peace.
Longan: regarded as a symbol of good fortune, symbolizing wealth and auspiciousness.
Jujube: Refers to auspiciousness, health, and the smoothness of the Chinese zodiac.
Nuts, such as hazelnuts and cashews, represent the richness and diversity of life.
2、 Production method
The following is a classic way to make Laba Congee:
Prepare ingredients: Soak red beans, mung beans, black beans, rice, etc. overnight in advance to increase their softness.
Boil Congee: put the ingredients into the pot uniformly, add proper amount of water, turn down the heat after boiling, and cook it for 1-2 hours. During this period, mix it properly to avoid sticking to the bottom.
Seasoning: After the Congee is cooked to a sticky consistency, rock sugar, honey, osmanthus, etc. can be added to increase the flavor.
Serving: The cooked Laba Congee can be added with milk, yogurt, dried fruit, etc. according to your preference to make different flavors of food. The Change of Laba Congee in Modern Society
Although Laba Congee has a long history, with the change of society, its production methods and ingredients are also changing. On the basis of tradition, modern people began to try various new ingredients and condiments to make Laba Congee more diversified.
Today, many urban families still get together to cook a pot of steaming Laba Congee on Laba Day. Faced with a busy life, many people choose to simplify the cooking process and use rice cookers or pressure cookers for cooking. At the same time, special Laba Congee prepackaged products have also appeared in the market to facilitate family consumers to enjoy this traditional food more quickly.
Tradition and custom of drinking Laba Congee
Drinking Laba Congee on Laba Festival is not only the inheritance of ancient customs, but also an important moment for family reunion. In this festival, no matter where people are, they will try to go home and share Laba Congee with their families. This custom allows many people to feel the warmth and care from their families in their busy lives.
In some areas, people will sit together when drinking Laba Congee, share the stories and experiences of the past year, and convey hope for the future. This kind of communication not only enhances relationships, but also allows everyone to re-examine their lives on this day every year.
The Cultural Value and Inheritance of Laba Festival
As a traditional festival, the cultural value of Laba Festival is not only reflected in the symbolism of food, but also deeply influences the lifestyle of modern people. With the development of the times, the celebration methods of Laba Festival have gradually diversified. Whether in rural or urban areas, Laba Festival has become a time for people to reunite and share happiness.
In some literary works, the culture of Laba Festival is also inherited and promoted. Many writers and poets use the Laba Festival to write, reflecting people’s love for life and longing for the future. Schools and communities are gradually attaching importance to the education of Laba Festival, allowing the younger generation to understand and remember this traditional culture.
The Laba Festival is not only to taste a bowl of hot Laba Congee, but also to inherit and carry forward the traditional culture. It makes us stop in our busy lives and feel the warmth of family and the meaning of festivals. Eating Laba Congee is not only a delicacy, but also a continuation of culture and people’s blessing. I hope every family can plant beautiful expectations for the future and enjoy every little happiness in life in the warmth of Laba Festival.
