In China, the 12th month of the lunar calendar(阴历) is called layue. The month is full of interesting (festival) and customs.
Laba Festival, which falls on the eighth day of layue, is the first festival in this month. From this day on, people begin to get ready Chinese New Year.
On Laba Festival, people eat hot Laba porridge. Thera are usually eight ingredients(原料) in the porridge: rice, red beans, peas, dried lotus seeds dates and three (difference) kinds of fruits and nuts. The porridge is not just good for your health a blessing(祝福) for the coming of Chinese New Year.
Laba porridge is not the only tasty food that we eat during lave Laha garlic(腊八蒜) is popular in the north. People begin to soak(浸泡)garlic in (they) jars from that day on and eat it with dumplings during Chinese New Year. In the south, people (especial) like making sausages
Another major celebration before Spring Festival is xiaonian. It is (usual) on the 23rd or 24thday of the last lunar month. Traditionally, it is important occasion (场合) when people offer sacrifices (祭品) to the Kitchen God, who looks after a (family) fortune(命运).
You should also clean your home while preparing for Chinese New Year. It (mean) sweeping away the dust of the old year and welcoming a fresh start.
