英語百科閲讀：臘八粥與臘八節的來歷

臘八節作為中國的傳統節日之一，落在每年陰曆的十二月初八，民間流傳着在這一天吃臘八粥的習俗。具體介紹如下，歡迎閲讀！

On Jan 5, 2017, people will be able to get free "Laba" porridge at many temples like Yonghegong Lama Temple in Beijing. 

在2017年1月5日這天，人們會在北京諸如雍和宮這類寺廟性質的場所得到免費的臘八粥。

Otherwise, people could also enjoy the porridge at those time-honored restaurants like Huguosi Snacks, Tongheju Restaurant, Quyuan Restaurant and Makai Restaurant.

除此之外，人們也可以在諸如“護國寺小吃”“同和居飯莊”“曲園餐廳”和“馬凱餐廳”這類老字號飯店享受到美味的'臘八粥。

It is a way of celebrating the Laba Festival, or Laba Rice Porridge Festival, one of the traditional Chinese festivals on the eighth day of the 12th month of lunar calendar.

作為中國的傳統節日之一，臘八節落在每年陰曆的十二月初八，民間流傳着在這一天吃臘八粥的習俗。

According to the Buddhist belief that on this day Sakyamuni became the Buddha thousands years ago, and that is why Buddhist temples observe this festival.

根據佛家所言，臘八這天正是幾千年前釋迦牟尼的成佛之日，從此各大佛教寺廟便在這一日隆重慶祝。

That is where the Laba Festival comes from.

臘八節也由此而來。

"La", a Chinese character, is closely associated with the meaning of offering sacrifices to gods or ancestors, while "Ba" means the number of eight.

臘八節的“臘”字和古代有祭祀祖先之意的“蠟”字相通，“八”則代表數字“8”。

It’s customary on this day to drink the special porridge, usually stewed of at least eight ingredients.

臘八節這一天，人們通常都要吃一種特製的粥。這種粥由至少八種不同的糧食和瓜果煮成，俗稱“臘八粥”。

With rice as the main ingredient, this porridge may well contain ingredients like broad beans, red beans, mung beans, red dates, peanuts, chest nuts, both tasty and nutritious.

粥內除了主要食材大米之外，還會包含諸如蠶豆、紅豆、綠豆、紅棗、花生和栗子等不同瓜果，味道甜美且營養豐富。

This tradition of making Laba porridge could be traced back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279), generously extolling the significance of diligence and thrift.

臘八節吃臘八粥的傳統始於宋朝(960-1279)，意在弘揚勤勞節儉的美好品質。

Apart from the porridge, there are also traditions of making Laba garlic and Laba noodles in some parts of North China.

除了臘八粥之外，北方有些地區在當天還有醃臘八蒜、吃臘八面的傳統習俗。

Perhaps, the most important meaning of Laba is its loud reminding or counting-down of days to the most important Chinese festival -- the Spring Festival. Laba is here, the Spring Festival is at the corner.

從某種意義上來説，臘八最重要的意義可能在於提醒人們一年一度最重要的節日——春節即將來臨，臘八節來了，春節還會遠麼?