CCTV9英语新闻：中国庆祝冬季节日腊八

（单词翻译:单击）

Wednesday marks the traditional Laba Festival in China. Laba means the eighth day of the twelfth month of the lunar calendar. It has been celebrated¹ for 1,500 years. 

It’s customary, especially in North China

It’s customary, especially in North China

It’s customary, especially in North China, to eat Laba Porridge. It’s a combination of rice, beans, nuts and dates. The festival is linked to both the new harvest and Buddhism². Buddhist³ temples hand out Congee⁴ to the public. People prepare Laba garlic, by putting the cloves⁵ in vinegar to steep until they turn green. There are also Laba noodles, and Laba Tofu. As Laba falls in the last lunar month, it serves as a prelude⁶ for the Lunar New Year.