Chinese calendar facts for kids
The Chinese calendar is a special way of keeping track of time. It uses both the Moon and the Sun to figure out the days, months, and years. This calendar is very old and important for traditional activities in China and for Chinese people living all over the world.
It helps people know when traditional Chinese holidays like Chinese New Year happen. It also guides them in choosing lucky days for big events. These events include weddings, funerals, moving to a new home, or starting a new business.
In the Chinese calendar, a new day starts at midnight. Each new month begins when there is a new moon (when the moon looks dark). A new year starts with the new moon that is closest to the middle point between winter and spring. The calendar also uses special "solar terms" which are like mini-seasons based on the Sun's position.
How the Chinese Calendar Works
The Chinese calendar is a lunisolar calendar. This means it uses both the Moon's cycles and the Sun's position. It's different from the calendar most of the world uses, which is based only on the Sun.
Each month in the Chinese calendar starts with a new moon. This makes the months line up with the Moon's phases. The length of the year, however, is based on the Sun. This mix helps keep the calendar connected to both the Moon and the seasons.
The calendar also includes "solar terms." These are 24 special points in the year that mark changes in the seasons. They help people know about farming cycles and weather changes.
History of the Chinese Calendar
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The Chinese calendar has changed a lot over many centuries. Ancient scientists added many details about the sky and seasons to it. This helped people understand natural events like moon phases and ocean tides.
The version of the Chinese calendar used today was developed a long time ago. It was created in the 17th century for the Chongzhen Emperor. This shows how important it was for leaders to have an accurate calendar.
Today, most people in China use the Gregorian calendar for daily life. This is the same calendar used in many countries around the world. However, the traditional Chinese calendar is still very important for holidays and cultural events. It keeps ancient traditions alive.
Images for kids
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Page of a Chinese calendar
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Five-phase and four-quarter calendars
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Explanatory chart for traditional Chinese time
See also
In Spanish: Calendario chino para niños
