The Calendrical System of Ancient China
The traditional Chinese calendar was based on the lunar cycle, and it was used until 1911 when the government of the newly established Republic of China adopted the Gregorian calendar. However, the Chinese calendrical tradition was continued by the imperial calendar until 1949. In this article, we will introduce the calendrical system as it stood in 1930 in ancient China.
The Principle of the Lunar Calendar
The Chinese lunar calendar follows a 12-year cycle that corresponds to a cycle of 12 zodiac animals. Each lunar year consists of 12 lunar months that have a total of 354 or 355 days. This is different from the Gregorian calendar, which has 12 months of uneven length with a total of 365.25 days in a year.
The lunar calendar is used for determining the phase of the moon and the timing of lunar events, such as the dates of the full moon and new moon, and the solar and lunar eclipses. In addition, the lunar calendar is also used for Chinese festivals and celebrations, such as the Chinese New Year, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Dragon Boat Festival.
The Solar Calendar and Its Applications
In addition to the lunar calendar, the Chinese also had a solar calendar, which was used for agricultural purposes. The solar calendar was based on the movement of the sun and had 24 solar terms, each lasting about 15 days. The solar terms reflect seasonal changes and are used for farming activities such as planting, sowing, and harvesting.
The solar calendar was also used for astrological purposes. The 12 zodiac animals of the lunar calendar were associated with the 12 terrestrial branches of the solar calendar, which were used to determine one's fate and compatibility with others based on their birth year. The solar calendar was used by the imperial court for official occasions, such as selecting auspicious dates for coronations and weddings.
The Complexity of the Calendrical System
The calendrical system in ancient China was a complex and intricate one, with many rules and traditions governing its use. For example, to align the lunar and solar calendars, a leap month would be added to the lunar calendar every two to three years. In addition, the lunar calendar also had its own cycle of 60 years, with each year being designated by a combination of the zodiac animal and one of the five elements.
The calendrical system was also used for divination and fortune-telling, and many Chinese almanacs were published each year to provide a guide for people's daily activities and decision-making based on the calendar.
In conclusion, the calendrical system in ancient China was a rich and fascinating one, with roots in astrology, agriculture, and tradition. Although it has largely been replaced by the Gregorian calendar in modern times, its legacy can still be seen in the various festivals and ceremonies that are celebrated throughout China today.
