The Origin of Laba Festival 腊八节的由来
“Kids, don't be greedy. After Laba comes the New Year.” This catchy rhyme ushers in the Laba Festival, a time-honored tradition in China.
“小孩小孩你别馋，过了腊八就是年。”这句朗朗上口的歌谣迎来了腊八节，中国一项历史悠久的传统节日。
Long ago, there was a severe famine. People were starving and desperate. One day, a kind-hearted monk passed by a village. Moved by the villagers' plight, he went from house to house, gathering bits of rice, beans, and dried fruits that each family could spare.
很久以前，发生了一场严重的饥荒，人们饥肠辘辘，陷入绝望。一天，一位心地善良的和尚路过一个村庄，被村民们的困境所触动。他挨家挨户收集每户人家能匀出的一点大米、豆子和干果。
He cooked these meager ingredients into a big pot of porridge and distributed it among the villagers. Miraculously, everyone felt full and hopeful again.
他用这些微薄的食材煮了一大锅粥，分发给村民们。神奇的是，大家吃完都感觉饱了，也重拾希望。
To remember this act of kindness, every year on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, people make Laba porridge. It's not just a dish but a symbol of sharing and helping each other. This festival reminds us that even in tough times, a little kindness can go a long way and that unity can help us overcome difficulties.
为了铭记这份善举，每年农历腊月初八，人们都会煮腊八粥。这不仅仅是一道美食，更是分享与互助的象征。这个节日提醒我们，即便身处艰难时刻，点滴善意也能发挥大作用，团结一心就能助我们战胜困难。
关键词
1. Laba Festival [ˈlɑːbə ˈfestɪvl] 腊八节
2. origin [ˈɔːrɪdʒɪn] 起源
3. rhyme [raɪm] 歌谣
4. famine [ˈfæmɪn] 饥荒
5. monk [mʌŋk] 和尚
6. villagers [ˈvɪlɪdʒərz] 村民
7. ingredients [ɪnˈɡriːdiənts] 食材
8. porridge [ˈpɔːrɪdʒ] 粥
9. sharing [ˈʃerɪŋ] 分享
10. kindness [ˈkaɪndnəs] 善良
问题
1. Why did the monk make porridge for the villagers?
2. What does Laba porridge symbolize according to the story?
