The ancient Hunting Month enters the 21st century

The last month of the lunar calendar used to be called the Hunting Month in more rustic times.

That was when traps were set in the wild to catch pheasants, rabbits, deer and wild boar in preparation for the rounds of feasting during the Spring Festival, just weeks away.

These days, wild game is not so easily available, and tamer options are preferred, although the meats are still cured and hung up to dry in the chilly winds. Layue has come to represent a time for preparing and curing meats, known as larou.