Laba Festival, also known as the Laba Rice Porridge Festival, is an important traditional festival in China, celebrated on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month. Here is an English translation of the origin and legends of Laba Festival:
**Origin of Laba Festival**
The Laba Festival has its roots in the ancient Chinese belief of Buddhism. It was traditionally believed that on this day, the Bodhisattva Manjushri, the deity of wisdom, made his appearance. Therefore, the Laba Festival was also celebrated as "Manjushri's Birthday." It became a religious festival in Buddhism, and gradually it was adopted by people of other faiths and became a widespread folk festival.
During the Southern and Northern Dynasties period (420-589 AD), it was customary to prepare Laba rice porridge, a type of sweet or savory porridge made from various grains, nuts, and fruits. The porridge symbolizes the abundance of life and good fortune, and it is believed that eating it can bring good luck and longevity.
**Legends of Laba Festival**
1. **The Birth of Manjushri**: The most famous legend is about the birth of the deity Manjushri. According to the story, on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, the deity appeared at a temple, revealing his wisdom and enlightening the people.
2. **Bodhisattva of Compassion**: Another legend is related to the compassionate Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, who is also known as Guanyin in Chinese Buddhism. It is said that Guanyin once saved a group of monks from starving by teaching them how to cultivate Laba rice porridge, which led to the widespread popularity of this festival.
3. **The Story of the Poor Monk**: There is also a tale about a poor monk who, out of gratitude for the kindness of the people, distributed Laba rice porridge to them on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month. The monk's act of compassion was highly revered and passed down through generations, eventually giving rise to the Laba Festival.
Laba Festival is celebrated by various customs, including preparing and eating Laba rice porridge, offering prayers to deities, lighting lanterns, and engaging in other religious activities. Today, the Laba Festival continues to be an important cultural and traditional occasion in China and among Chinese communities around the world.
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