Thousands long for a taste of ‘lucky’ Laba porridge

Qin Ming is determined to wake up early and head for Beijing’s Yonghegong Lama Temple on Saturday, hoping to get a taste of the Laba porridge being served to visitors to mark the eighth day of the 12th lunar month.

All Qin wants is for the global financial crisis to end, and he believes a helping of the special porridge can help.

“I have heard that the Laba porridge served in Yonghegong can bring you good luck,” the financial analyst said.

“Due to the global recession, my work is really suffering. Hopefully, after tasting the porridge things will become smoother,” he said.

Chinese folk tradition has it that the Laba porridge, traditionally made with beans and rice, helped the Buddha attain enlightenment, and has the power to change your stars in the New Year. Read Article

By Xie Yu