范文一

　　 Labazhou, a kind of rice porridge, is traditionally served on the eighth day of the 12th lunar month.

　　 Since ba, the number eight, has very good connotations in Chi-nese, Labazhou is also known as eight treasure porridge —Babaozhou.

　　 Here eight does not necessarily mean exactly eight; it just means many.

　　 The dish is also tasty, with its combination of colourful and sweet ingredients. Eating it is not limited to only the eighth day of the 12th month. Chinese people enjoy eight treasure porridge throughout theyear.

　　 The common way of making Labazhou are to boil rice, millet, glutinous millet, glutinous rice, chestnuts and dried dates. Then, add peanuts, almonds, walnuts, melon - seed kernels, dried fruits and brown sugar to make the gruel not only delicious but also nutritious.

　　 范文二

　　 Buddhism was well accepted in the areas inhabited by the Han Chinese, who believed that Sakyamuni the first Buddha and founder of the religion, attained enlightenment on the eighth day of the twelfth month. Sutras were chanted in the temples and rice porridge with beans, nuts and dried fruit was prepared for the Buddha. With the passing of time the custom extended, especially in rural areas where peasants would pray for a plentiful harvest in this way.

　　 There is, however, another touching story: When Sakyamuni was on his way into the high mountains in his quest for understanding and enlightenment, he grew tired and hungry. Exhausted from days of walking, he fainted away by a river in India. A shepherdess found him there and fed him her lunch -- porridge made with beans and rice. Sakyamuni was thus able to continue his journey.

　　 范文三

　　 Laba rice porridge was first introduced to China in the Song Dynasty about 900 years ago.

　　 Buddhism was well accepted in the areas inhabited by the Han Chinese, who believed that Sakyamuni the first Buddha and founder of the religion, attained enlightenment on the eighth day of the twelfth month. Sutras were chanted in the temples and rice porridge with beans, nuts and dried fruit was prepared for the Buddha. With the passing of time the custom extended, especially in rural areas where peasants would pray for a plentiful harvest in this way.