Introduction on the Consuming of La Ba Garlic (臘八蒜之簡介)

In the far away era, in China, during Winter season, many types of food or fruits will be consumed in-order to replenish one’s energy & also, to avoid from being invaded by the “hurts” of the coldness.

Today in here, Jave will like to do a short introduction on the Consuming of La Ba Garlic on the 8^th Day of Lunar 12 Month (農曆臘月初八日) aka La Ba Day (臘八日).

Consuming of La Ba Garlic, started in Shang Dynasty (始于商朝), which later was being forgotten due to the ideas of not eating the Spicy Items after the Foreign Religious being imported into China and which later in Tang Dynasty (興於唐朝), this culture started to come back again.

This was a very old Tradition Practise by the Northern Chinese & Taoists during the Winter season. Till today, the Northern Chinese & Taoists still preserve this type of La Ba Garlic before La Ba Day or on the Day itself. 

This La Ba Garlic will look different from other preserved Garlic. How different is it? Chinese & Taoists believed that Garlic that are being preserved for this La Ba Day will turned Green and shine like fresh Jade and indeed, a successful preserved La Ba Garlic will look like a Jade Pendant (please refer to the picture).  

Why they needed to consume this La Ba Garlic? 

According to the saying/records, by consuming La Ba Garlic on the 8^th Day of Lunar 12 Month, it will assist the Human Immune System to be strengthened & at the same time, assist in detoxing of the Internal Poison that had accumulated in our Digestive-system. 

And in Spiritual belief, on this Day after we consumed the La Ba Garlic, our Seven Spirits aka Qi Po (七魄) will be cleansed or “nenew”, by “directing” the Negative Thoughts & Desires of Oneself to the ground and to get ready to usher in the New Year. 

In Meditation Culture, some people might not like the idea of consuming Garlic as it will distract the Concentration, which Jave had to say that, its not very accurate. Concentration will only be concentrated if Oneself is able to “release” the unnecessary burden & seeing thru a Level of desire, losing of Concentration will not be affected by External Consuming or any actions.