臘 (là) - The twelfth lunar month & winter sacrifice

臘Tone 4

là ｜ 19 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

臘 · là

The twelfth lunar month;

winter sacrifice;

preserved meat;

wax;

related to the end of the year and winter preparations.

The twelfth lunar monthwinter sacrificepreserved meat

Usage highlights

Twelfth lunar monthPreserved meatWinter sacrificeWaxLaba FestivalLaba porridge

Synonyms

  • 腊— Simplified form of 臘
  • 冬— Winter (related season)
  • 祭— Sacrifice (related ritual)

Antonyms

  • 正— First lunar month (antonym to twelfth month)
  • 夏— Summer (opposite season)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The twelfth lunar month is called Layue (臘月).
  • People make preserved meat during this time (臘肉).
  • In ancient times, winter sacrifices were held (臘祭).
  • This is the season for making wax (臘蠟).

Collocations

  • Twelfth lunar month(臘月)
  • Preserved meat(臘肉)
  • Winter sacrifice(臘祭)
  • Wax(臘蠟)
  • Laba Festival(臘八節)
  • Laba porridge(臘八粥)

Idioms

  • The Laba Festival(臘八節)
  • Years and months pass by(殘冬臘月)
  • Freezing cold of deep winter(寒冬臘月)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Traditionally marks the twelfth lunar month (臘月), a time for year-end rituals and preparations.
  • Associated with the Laba Festival (臘八節) on the 8th day of the 12th lunar month, when Laba porridge is eaten.
  • Reflects ancient Chinese agricultural society's cycle of sacrifices and food preservation for winter.

FAQ