Group 1 - The core idea of the article is that the Laba Festival, celebrated on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, marks the beginning of the New Year celebrations in China [1][2] - The Laba Festival has historical significance, originating from the pre-Qin period as an important day for ancestor worship and honoring deities [1] - The custom of drinking Laba porridge began in the Song Dynasty and became widespread during the Qing Dynasty, symbolizing the countdown to the Spring Festival [1]