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Dates and Calendars: Difference between revisions
→Chinese Calendar
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==Chinese Calendar== | ==Chinese Calendar== | ||
The Chinese calendar, also known as the Lunisolar calendar, is a system that has been used in China for centuries. It is based on the cycles of the moon and the sun, creating a unique calendar that differs significantly from the Gregorian calendar used in most parts of the world. The Chinese calendar is used to determine the dates of all major holidays and festivals, including Chinese New Year, Lantern Festival, and Dragon Boat Festival. It also plays a role in traditional Chinese medicine, astrology, and other cultural practices. The Chinese calendar remains an important part of Chinese identity and heritage, and many people continue to use it alongside the Gregorian calendar in daily life. The year 4720 on the Chinese calendar began on February 5, 2023. | The Chinese calendar, also known as the Lunisolar calendar, is a system that has been used in China for centuries. It is based on the cycles of the moon and the sun, creating a unique calendar that differs significantly from the Gregorian calendar used in most parts of the world. The Chinese calendar is used to determine the dates of all major holidays and festivals, including Chinese New Year, Lantern Festival, and Dragon Boat Festival. It also plays a role in traditional Chinese medicine, astrology, and other cultural practices. The Chinese calendar remains an important part of Chinese identity and heritage, and many people continue to use it alongside the Gregorian calendar in daily life.<br> | ||
The year 4720 on the Chinese calendar began on February 5, 2023. This pertains to the sexagenary cycle, which combines the 10 Heavenly Stems and 12 Earthly Branches. This cycle repeats every 60 years. | |||
Key features of the Chinese calendar include: | Key features of the Chinese calendar include: | ||
*'''12 months:''' The year consists of 12 lunar months, each with 29 or 30 days. | *'''12 months:''' The year consists of 12 lunar months, each with 29 or 30 days. | ||
*'''Intercalary months:''' Intercalary months are added seven times every 19 years to keep the calendar aligned with the solar year. | **The modern names of the lunar months are: 正月; zhēngyuè; 'first month', 二月; èryuè; 'second month', 三月; sānyuè; 'third month', 四月; sìyuè; 'fourth month', 五月; wǔyuè; 'fifth month', 六月; liùyuè; 'sixth month', 七月; qīyuè; 'seventh month', 八月; bāyuè; 'eighth month', 九月; jiǔyuè; 'ninth month', 十月; shíyuè; 'tenth month', 冬月; dōngyuè; 'eleventh month', and 臘月; 腊月; làyuè; 'end-of-year month'. | ||
*'''Intercalary months:''' Intercalary months are added seven times every 19 years to keep the calendar aligned with the solar year. Intercalary months are added in years with a new moon falling between the winter solstice and the following spring equinox. | |||
*'''Gan-Zhi cycle:''' The 60-year Gan-Zhi cycle plays an important role in the calendar and is used to name years, predict fortunes, and choose auspicious dates for important events. Each year in the cycle is associated with a specific animal, forming the famous 12-animal zodiac. | *'''Gan-Zhi cycle:''' The 60-year Gan-Zhi cycle plays an important role in the calendar and is used to name years, predict fortunes, and choose auspicious dates for important events. Each year in the cycle is associated with a specific animal, forming the famous 12-animal zodiac. | ||
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The Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE) further refined the calendar, introducing the 60-year cycle known as the Gan-Zhi system, which combines 10 Heavenly Stems and 12 Earthly Branches to create unique combinations for each year. | The Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE) further refined the calendar, introducing the 60-year cycle known as the Gan-Zhi system, which combines 10 Heavenly Stems and 12 Earthly Branches to create unique combinations for each year. | ||
The Chinese calendar continued to evolve through the centuries, with various emperors and dynasties making adjustments and refinements. The modern Chinese calendar, officially known as the "Xia calendar," was adopted in 1949 and is still used today. | The Chinese calendar continued to evolve through the centuries, with various emperors and dynasties making adjustments and refinements. The modern Chinese calendar, officially known as the "Xia calendar," was adopted in 1949 and is still used today. | ||
==Julian Calendar== | ==Julian Calendar== | ||
The Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BC, marked a major advancement in timekeeping. This solar calendar, based on the Earth's revolution around the sun, replaced the previously used Roman calendar, which was inaccurate and inconsistent. | The Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BC, marked a major advancement in timekeeping. This solar calendar, based on the Earth's revolution around the sun, replaced the previously used Roman calendar, which was inaccurate and inconsistent. | ||