In China, there is a distinction between the lunar calendar and the solar calendar.
The Gregorian calendar is an internationally recognized time standard, and is currently the commonly used method for calculating time internationally.It is based on the time it takes for the Earth to orbit the Sun once, and a year is divided into 365 days.This calculation method is simple and clear, allowing us to clearly feel the changes in temperature throughout the four seasons.The advantage of the solar calendar is that it facilitates integration with other regions of the world and is widely used as a time standard in modern technology and business activities.
The lunar calendar is an ancient and mysterious way of calculating time, based on the lunar cycle.The orbital period of the moon around the earth, also known as the lunar phase period (from new moon to full moon and then to new moon), averages about 29.53 days.Therefore, a month in the lunar calendar usually consists of 29 or 30 days. The characteristic of the lunar calendar is that it can accurately reflect the changes in the rise and fall of the moon, and is closely related to natural phenomena such as women's physiological cycles and tidal changes
Today is the traditional Laba Festival in China.
The origin of Laba Festival can be traced back to the ancient ritual of sacrificial rites, and later combined with the Buddhist "Buddha's Enlightenment Festival", gradually evolving into the current festival. The Laba Festival was originally a ritual for ancient people to worship their ancestors and gods, aiming to pray for a bountiful harvest and peace in the coming year. Over time, the Laba Festival merged with the Buddhist "Buddha Enlightenment Festival" and became a festival commemorating the enlightenment of Shakyamuni Buddha.
The main customs of Laba Festival include drinking Laba Congee, making Laba garlic and soaking Laba vinegar. Laba Congee is a kind of Congee made from a variety of ingredients, usually including glutinous rice, red dates, red beans, peanuts, longans, lotus seeds, etc., symbolizing harvest and reunion.
In northern China, there is a saying that goes, 'Don't be greedy, children. After Laba, it's the New Year.' Celebrating Laba marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year. Every Laba Festival, the northern region is busy peeling garlic to make vinegar, soaking Laba garlic, and eating Laba noodles and Laba Congee.
Laba Festival is not only a religious festival, but also gradually becoming an important folk festival. Different regions have different ways of celebrating and legends, which increases the cultural connotation and fun of the festival.
Suzhou Youde welcomes you to visit China and experience China's long-standing traditional culture, which will surely make you fall in love with it.