No.87 Laba Festival 腊八
英语话中国China Story
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本期文本
腊八节在农历十二月初八，是春节来临前的重要民俗节日。
Laba Festival falls on the 8th day of the 12th lunar month, serving as a key folk festival heralding the arrival of the Spring Festival.
俗语有云：“过了腊八就是年。”
As the old saying goes, "Once Laba arrives, the Spring Festival is near at hand."
这一天，家家户户都会熬煮香甜的腊八粥。
On this day, every household simmers a pot of fragrant and sweet Laba porridge.
粥里通常会放入大米、小米、红豆、红枣和莲子等食材。
The porridge typically includes ingredients like rice, millet, red beans, red dates and lotus seeds.
煮好的粥食材丰富，口感软糯香甜，暖心暖胃。
Loaded with diverse ingredients, the well-cooked porridge tastes soft, glutinous and sweet, warming both the stomach and the heart.
一家人围坐桌前，共享这份热气腾腾的美味。
Families gather around the table to share this steaming bowl of goodness.
除了煮粥，有些人家还会腌制腊八蒜。
Beyond making porridge, some families also pickle Laba garlic.
蒜瓣浸入醋中，时日一长便会慢慢变成透亮的翠绿色。
Garlic cloves are soaked in vinegar, gradually turning into a translucent emerald green over time.
腊八一过，人们便开始忙着备年货、扫房屋。
Once Laba Festival is over, people start busying themselves with preparing New Year goods and cleaning their houses.
大街小巷，处处都洋溢着喜迎新春的热闹氛围。
Streets and alleys are filled with a lively buzz of excitement for welcoming the Spring Festival.
腊八，承载着人们对新年的殷殷期盼，也氤氲着阖家团圆的脉脉温情。
Laba Festival carries people’s earnest expectations for the new year and embodies the gentle warmth of family reunion.
