Semmyō calendar facts for kids

The Semmyō calendar (宣明暦, Semmyō-reki), also known as Semmei-reki or Xuanming li, was a special Japanese calendar. It was a lunisolar calendar, which means it used both the Moon's phases and the Sun's position to keep track of time. This calendar was used for a very long time, from the late 800s to the late 1600s.

What is a Lunisolar Calendar?

A lunisolar calendar tries to keep its months aligned with the Moon's phases. It also makes sure its years stay aligned with the Sun's path, which helps with seasons. This is different from a calendar like the one we use today, which is based only on the Sun.

History of the Semmyō Calendar

The Semmyō calendar was created to fix problems in older calendars. These older calendars were often developed in China. The new system made timekeeping more accurate for Japan.

The first time this calendar was officially recorded was in the year 861. This happened during the rule of Emperor Seiwa. It became very important for daily life and official events in Japan for many centuries.

Why Calendars are Important

Calendars are super important for many reasons. They help people know when to plant crops or when to celebrate festivals. They also help governments keep records and plan events. The Semmyō calendar played a big role in organizing Japanese society for over 800 years.