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On the eighth day of the 12th month on the Chinese calendar, which falls on Monday this year, the aroma of laba porridge will drift across Beijing and the rest of the country, signaling the arrival of the Chinese New Year season.

农历十二月八日，今年恰逢周一，腊八粥的香气将飘荡在北京及全国各地，宣告春节时节的到来。

The character "la" refers to the 12th month on the Chinese calendar, while "ba" means the number eight. For most people, savoring labaporridge— which is typically made of at least eight ingredients including glutinous rice and red beans — is more than a traditional ritual, because it marks the moment when the year-end countdown starts and serves as the prelude to new beginnings.

“腊”字指农历十二月，”八”则代表数字八。对多数人而言，品尝腊八粥——这种通常由糯米、红豆等至少八种食材熬制的粥品——不仅是传统习俗，更标志着岁末倒计时的开始，为新年的启程奏响序曲。

Despite the cold spell in the Chinese capital, warmth will fill the halls of its historical temples on Monday. Yonghegong, also known as Lama Temple, a magnificent testament to Beijing's rich culture and spiritual heritage, will launch its annual laba porridge distribution, as will Guanghua, Tanzhe and other temples, drawing large crowds of visitors.

尽管北京正值寒潮，在周一，这座历史名城的寺庙殿堂里却将充满暖意。作为北京丰富文化与精神遗产的壮丽见证，雍和宫（又称喇嘛寺）将启动年度腊八粥发放活动，广化寺、潭柘寺等寺庙也将同步开展，吸引大批游客前来。

Temple-based porridge distribution remains central to the laba tradition in Beijing, with Yonghegong being the most anticipated site. Bowl after bowl of steaming hot porridge there is not only expected to help buffer the winter chill, but also provides people with a shared sense of hope.

寺庙供粥仍是北京腊八传统的核心环节，其中雍和宫是最受期待的地点。一碗碗热气腾腾的粥不仅能驱散冬日的寒意，更传递着人们共同的希望。

Since the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), laba porridge prepared at the temple has been one of the city's most significant seasonal events. From emperors to ordinary residents, everyone believed — and still believes — that partaking of a bowl of the temple's porridge brings good fortune and peace in the year ahead.

自清朝（1644-1911）以来，寺庙里熬制的腊八粥便成为这座城市最重要的季节性盛事之一。从帝王到百姓，人人都相信，时至今日也依然如此——品尝一碗寺庙的腊八粥，便能为来年带来好运与平安。

Historical records show that Emperor Yongzheng attached particular importance to the laba ceremony, elevating it to a rigorously regulated imperial ritual. Pr