Residents of Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi Province, lined up at a century-old store to purchase freshly brewed vinegar as the Laba Festival arrived. Carrying containers of all shapes and sizes, locals eagerly awaited their turn to fill up on the tangy staple, with most buying at least 2.5 kilograms.
The air in the shop was thick with the rich aroma of aged vinegar, which flowed from pipes into each customer’s container. This tradition is a cherished part of the festival, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune for the coming year.
The Laba Festival, falling on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, marks the beginning of preparations for the Lunar New Year. It’s a time when families come together to make Laba porridge and, in Shanxi, stock up on vinegar.
Shanxi is renowned for its vinegar-making heritage, with the condiment playing a central role in the region’s culinary traditions. “As soon as the Laba Festival arrives, we know it’s time to get our vinegar for the New Year,” said Li Mei, a Taiyuan resident. “It adds flavor to our dishes and represents good fortune.”
This vinegar-buying tradition not only keeps the age-old craft alive but also strengthens community bonds as residents share in the festival’s joy.
Reference(s):
Vinegar Fever: Laba Festival helps brew Shanxi's tangy tradition
cgtn.com
