The origin of the custom of Laba porridge is related to Buddhism. The significance of Laba porridge is that it is not only a seasonal delicacy, but also a good health food, and it also means warmth, perfection and harmony. 1. The custom of Laba porridge

The custom of Laba Festival originated from Buddhism. The eighth day of the twelfth lunar month is the day when the Buddha Sakyamuni became enlightened. People in ancient India would eat a bowl of porridge on this day in order to commemorate the suffering of the Buddha before his enlightenment in Laba and the day when the Buddha became a Buddha in Laba.

After Buddhism was introduced to China, various temples would make porridge from fragrant rice and fruits to believers. In the later development, after the Laba porridge was cooked, it was first offered to the Buddha, and then sent to relatives and friends. It must be sent out before noon. If it is given to the poor, it is a sign of merit.

The remaining Laba porridge is then given to the family to eat. After several days of storage, there is still some remaining Laba porridge, which is regarded as a good omen, meaning "more than every year". In the Song Dynasty, people began to cook and drink porridge on Laba day, and this continues to this day. 2. Laba porridge is a seasonal delicacy and a good health food

Laba porridge uses different materials according to local specialties. There is also one that goes with Laba and is made with eight kinds of ingredients.

But barley, carrots, and vegetables are all essential foods. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that barley has the effects of strengthening the spleen, nourishing the lungs, clearing away heat, and expelling dampness. Long-term use is good for chronic enteritis, indigestion, etc. It has very good curative effect. Barley is rich in dietary fiber, which can prevent high blood pressure, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.

In addition, you can also choose peanuts, soybeans, lotus seeds, ginkgo, tofu, tofu, taro, etc. If you want to add more ingredients, you can add fungus, red dates, vegetarian bean cakes, vegetarian ham, and shiitake mushrooms.

In addition, eating Laba porridge on Laba Day also has the meanings of warmth, completeness, harmony, auspiciousness, health, cooperation, nutrition, indifference, convenience, gratitude, joy, and bonding. It is a folk custom in Tianjin that on the night before Laba Festival, religious men and women twist beans to make porridge. Each bean they twist is called a bean.