Who is the author of Laba porridge?

Uncover the story and cultural background behind Laba porridge

Laba porridge, bearing a strong cultural heritage, is a touch of warmth in winter. Its origin can be traced back to 1000 years ago, and it was born in the hands of an extraordinary person.

According to legend, the author of Laba Porridge is Shen Xiu, a famous Buddhist Zen master in Tang Dynasty. Master Shen Xiu is famous for his lofty morality and Buddhist attainments, and is deeply respected by emperors such as Tang Zhongzong and Wu Zetian.

In 696 AD, Master Shen Xiu presided over Buddhism in Kaiyuan Temple, Zhejiang. It was the middle of winter, the weather was biting, and many monks were thin and hungry. Master Shen Xiu was very compassionate and decided to cook a pot of porridge for the monks to warm their bodies and minds.

The master added various ingredients to the porridge, including red dates, lilies, longan, lotus seeds, peanuts, wheat kernels and millet. Every blind element contains auspicious meaning. Red dates pray for Buddha's nature as soon as possible, lilies come out of the mud without being stained, longan is happy, lotus seeds are pure, peanuts are fertile, wheat is rich, and millet is sweet and delicious.

After careful cooking, a pot of delicious Laba porridge was freshly baked. Master Shen Xiu distributed porridge to the monks, so that they could have a hearty meal and dispel the cold. Since then, Laba porridge has spread in Buddhism and gradually become a folk custom.

The making process of Laba porridge is not complicated, but each bowl of porridge embodies the compassion of master Shen Xiu. It is not only delicious food, but also a blessing gift. On Laba Festival, people eat Laba porridge and pray for good weather, peace and prosperity in the coming year.