腊八节
Làbājié
Laba festival · trad. 臘八節
腊八节 (Làbājié) is the Laba Festival, celebrated on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month (in 2027 it falls on 15 January). It is a traditional Chinese holiday that marks the beginning of the New Year season.
What does 腊八节 (Làbājié) mean?
腊八节 (Làbājié) means “laba festival” in English.
When to use it
Neutral and widely understood. It refers to a specific traditional festival. People often celebrate by eating 腊八粥 (Làbāzhōu), a special porridge.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “LAH-bah-jyeh.” 腊 falls sharply (fourth tone), 八 is high and flat (first tone), and 节 rises (second tone).
Other ways to say it
- 腊八粥LàbāzhōuLaba porridge (a sweet porridge eaten on Laba Festival)
- 过了腊八就是年guòle Làbā jiù shì niánOnce Laba passes, it's New Year (an old saying meaning the New Year season has begun)
- 腊月làyuètwelfth lunar month
Examples
腊八节快到了，我们一起煮腊八粥吧！
Làbājié kuài dào le, wǒmen yīqǐ zhǔ Làbāzhōu ba!
Laba Festival is coming soon, let's cook Laba porridge together!
每年腊八节，我都会想起家乡的味道。
měinián Làbājié, wǒ dōu huì xiǎngqǐ jiāxiāng de wèidao.
Every Laba Festival, I recall the taste of my hometown.
过了腊八就是年，家家户户都开始准备过年了。
guòle Làbā jiù shì nián, jiājiāhùhù dōu kāishǐ zhǔnbèi guònián le.
Once Laba passes, it's New Year, and every household starts preparing for the New Year.
Pro tip: The Laba Festival is considered the start of the New Year season, as captured in the saying “过了腊八就是年.” It's a time for families to gather and enjoy 腊八粥.
Related phrases
元旦快乐 · Happy new year's day春节 · Spring festival (chinese new year)新年快乐 · Happy new year
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