2018考研英語拓展閱讀：臘八節及臘八粥的來歷

­　　【臘八粥的來歷】

­　　據說在釋迦牟尼成佛之前，曾經修苦行多年，餓得骨瘦如柴，決定不再苦行。這時遇見一個牧女，送他乳糜食用。他吃了乳糜，恢復了體力，便端坐在菩提樹下入定，于十二月八日成道。夏歷以十二月為臘月，所以十二月八日稱作臘八。中國漢族地區，將這一天作為釋迦牟尼的成道日，于是臘八成了佛教節日。佛教傳入我國后，各地興建寺院，煮粥敬佛的活動也隨之盛行起來，尤其是到了臘月初八，祭祀釋迦牟尼修行成道之日，各寺院都要舉行誦經，并效法佛成道前牧女獻乳糜的傳說故事，用香谷和果實等造粥供佛，名為臘八粥。這便是臘八粥的來歷。

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

­　　臘八粥在大約900年前的宋代首次引入中國。

­　　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.

­　　在漢族人居住的地區，佛教被廣泛地接受，人們相信第一個佛和佛教的創始人釋迦牟尼在第十二個月的第八天得到了啟發。佛經在寺廟了被吟誦，含豆、堅果和干果的粥用來供奉佛主。隨著時間的推移，這個風俗擴展開了，尤其是在鄉村地區，農民們以這種方式祈禱好的收成。

­　　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.

­　　然而，還有一個動人的故事：當釋迦牟尼在通向他尋求領悟和啟發的高山的路上，他又累又餓。由于幾天的行走而產生的疲憊，他在印度的一條河邊暈倒。一個牧羊女發現了她并喂他午飯，飯是由豆和米做成的粥。于是，釋迦牟尼能夠繼續他的旅程。

­　　After six years of strict discipline, he finally realized his dream of full enlightenment on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month. Ever since, monks have prepared rice porridge on the eve and held a ceremony the following day, during which they chant sutras and offer porridge to Buddha. Thus, the tradition of eating Laba porridge was based in religion, though with the passing of time the food itself became a popular winter dish especially in cold northern China.

­　　經過六年嚴格的修行，他最終于十二月的第八天實現了他完全啟發的夢想。從那時到現在，僧侶們在前日準備米粥，在第二天舉行儀式，在此期間，他們吟誦佛經，并為佛祖供奉米粥。因而，吃臘八粥的傳統是以宗教基于宗教的，可是，隨著時間的推移，這種食物本身尤其是在寒冷的北方成為受歡迎的冬季食物。

­　　According to written records, large Buddhist temples would offer Laba rice porridge to the poor to show their faith to Buddha. In the Ming Dynasty about 500 years ago, it became such a holy food that emperors would offer it to their officials during festivals. As it gained favor in the feudal upper class, it also quickly became popular throughout the country.

­　　根據文字記錄，大的佛教寺廟會為窮人提供臘八粥，以表達他們