Chinese Calendar Facts & Worksheets

The Chinese calendar, also known as the Lunar calendar or the Agricultural calendar, is one of the oldest and most intricate calendrical systems in the world. It has been in use for over 4,000 years and continues to play a significant role in Chinese culture and festivities.

See the fact file below for more information about the Chinese Calendar, or you can download our 37-page Chinese Calendar worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT

• The history of the Chinese calendar spans over four millennia and has its roots deeply intertwined with the agricultural practices, astronomical observations, and cultural beliefs of ancient China.

Xia Dynasty (c. 2070–1600 BCE):

• The origins of the Chinese calendar can be traced back to the Xia Dynasty, the first recorded dynasty in Chinese history. It is believed that during this time, people began observing the cycles of the moon and the sun to create a rudimentary lunar-solar calendar. 
• This early calendar was likely based on the moon’s phases and the position of the sun relative to the constellations.

Shang Dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BCE):

• During the Shang Dynasty, advancements in astronomy and celestial observations became more systematic. The Shang people closely monitored celestial events like eclipses, which were considered significant omens. 
• This period also saw the development of the “Four Pillars of Destiny” or “Ba Zi,” an early form of astrology based on the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches.

Zhou Dynasty (c. 1046–256 BCE):

• The Zhou Dynasty was a time of great intellectual and philosophical development in China. 
• The calendar evolved further with the introduction of a more sophisticated system based on a 60-year cycle of combining ten Heavenly Stems (Tian Gan) and twelve Earthly Branches (Di Zhi). This combination resulted in a unique name for each year within the cycle.

Qin and Han Dynasties (221 BCE–220 CE):

• During the Qin Dynasty, Emperor Qin Shi Huang standardized various aspects of Chinese society, including the calendar. However, it was during the Han Dynasty that the Chinese calendar saw significant advancements. 
• Emperor Wu of Han sought to create a more accurate calendar, and astronomers like Zhang Heng made significant contributions to astronomical knowledge. 
• Zhang Heng’s “Equatorial Mounting” invention allowed for more precise observations of celestial events.

Han Calendar Reforms (104 BCE):

• In 104 BCE, Emperor Wu of Han implemented calendar reforms based on the work of scholar Liu Xin. The reforms aimed to correct inaccuracies in the lunar calendar, leading to the establishment of a more regular and predictable system. The new calendar, known as the “Taichu Calendar,” was an early version of the lunisolar calendar that continued to be refined in subsequent dynasties.

Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE):

• The Tang Dynasty marked a golden age for Chinese culture, science, and art. During this period, the calendar underwent further revisions and improvements. 
• Notable astronomers, such as Yi Xing, developed various astronomical instruments, including the “Water-Powered Armillary Sphere,” which enhanced observational accuracy.

Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368 CE):

• The Yuan Dynasty, established by the Mongol ruler Kublai Khan, saw the introduction of the Tibetan calendar and other calendar systems alongside the traditional Chinese calendar. Despite these introductions, the Chinese calendar remained prevalent and continued to evolve.

Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 CE):

• The Ming Dynasty witnessed the compilation of various historical astronomical records and calendars.
• One of the most significant works was the “Yuanjin Astrological Bureau’s Compilation,” which compiled astronomical knowledge and refined calendar calculations.

Qing Dynasty (1644–1912 CE):

• The Qing Dynasty, the last imperial dynasty of China, continued the use of the traditional Chinese calendar. During this period, the Jesuit missionaries, led by Matteo Ricci, introduced European astronomical knowledge to the Chinese court. This exchange of knowledge between East and West enriched both astronomical practices.

The Republic of China (1912–1949):

• With the fall of the Qing Dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China, efforts were made to modernize the calendar. In 1912, the Chinese government officially adopted the Gregorian calendar for administrative and civil purposes while retaining the traditional Chinese calendar for cultural and traditional festivities.

The People’s Republic of China (1949–present):

• After the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, the Chinese government continued using the Gregorian calendar for official purposes. 
• However, the traditional Chinese calendar remains an essential part of Chinese culture, especially in determining the dates for traditional festivals like Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and more.

THE LUNISOLAR CALENDAR

• The widely used and traditional Chinese calendar is the lunisolar calendar, also known as the Agricultural calendar. This calendar system has been in use for thousands of years and continues to play a significant role in Chinese culture, especially in determining the dates of traditional festivals and cultural events.

Key features of the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar include:

• Lunisolar System: The Chinese calendar is a combination of lunar and solar cycles. It uses the phases of the moon to determine the months and the position of the sun relative to the celestial equator to establish the length of a year.
• Zodiac Animals: One of the most recognizable features of the Chinese calendar is the twelve animal zodiac signs, each representing a year in a twelve-year cycle. 
• The animals are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each year is associated with specific characteristics believed to influence individuals born during that year.
• Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches: The Chinese calendar employs a system of ten Heavenly Stems (Tian Gan) and twelve Earthly Branches (Di Zhi), creating a 60-year cycle.
• Each year is denoted by a combination of one Heavenly Stem and one Earthly Branch, resulting in unique names for each year within the cycle.
• Determining Chinese New Year: Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is the most significant traditional Chinese holiday. 
• The date of Chinese New Year varies each year, falling between January 21 and February 20 of the Gregorian calendar. It is determined by the second new moon after the winter solstice.
• Traditional Festivals: The Chinese calendar includes various traditional festivals celebrated throughout the year, such as the Lantern Festival, Qingming Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Double Ninth Festival, each with its unique customs and significance.
• Zodiac Compatibility: The Chinese zodiac is not only consulted for fortune-telling but also plays a significant role in daily life decisions. People often consider their zodiac compatibility when making important choices like marriage, business partnerships, and career changes.
• Dual-Calendar Celebrations: In countries with significant Chinese populations, such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, dual-calendar celebrations are common. People observe both the Gregorian New Year and Chinese New Year festivities.
• Modern Relevance: While the Gregorian calendar is used for official purposes and daily life scheduling, the traditional Chinese calendar remains relevant for cultural and traditional activities, especially in the context of festivals, weddings, and other significant events.
• Despite the widespread use of the Gregorian calendar in official matters, the traditional Chinese calendar continues to hold cultural and spiritual significance for the Chinese people. 
• It is a testament to the enduring power of ancient wisdom and traditional beliefs that continue to shape Chinese culture and traditions to this day.

Chinese Calendar Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about the Chinese Calendar across 37 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about the Chinese Calendar. The Chinese Calendar has been in use for over 4,000 years and continues to play a significant role in Chinese culture and festivities.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. Chinese Calendar Facts
2. The Sleeping Giant
3. Chinese Holidays
4. The 24 Solar Terms
5. Chinese Lunar Calendar
6. The Zodiac Calendar
7. Useful Phrases
8. Monthly Chinese
9. The Chinese Calendar
10. My Chinese Birthday
11. My Chinese Calendar

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Chinese calendar?

The Chinese calendar, also known as the Lunar calendar or the Agricultural calendar, is a traditional calendar system used in China and several other East Asian countries. It is based on the cycles of the Moon and the position of the Sun. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is solar-based, the Chinese calendar is lunisolar, meaning it takes both lunar and solar movements into account.

How does the Chinese calendar work?

The Chinese calendar consists of a 12-year cycle, with each year associated with one of the 12 zodiac animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat (or Sheep), Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. These years are further divided into 12 months, but the months are based on the lunar cycles, so they vary in length. Additionally, there are leap months added periodically to keep the calendar synchronized with the solar year.

What is the significance of the Chinese zodiac animals?

The Chinese zodiac animals are an integral part of the calendar and play a significant role in Chinese culture. Each animal is associated with specific personality traits, and it is believed that people born in a particular year will exhibit the characteristics of the animal for that year. The zodiac is also used for matchmaking and horoscopes in Chinese astrology.

What is the Chinese New Year, and why is it important?

The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is the most important traditional festival in China and many other Asian countries. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year and is celebrated with various customs and traditions, including family gatherings, feasting, fireworks, and the giving of red envelopes (hongbao) for good luck. Each Chinese New Year is associated with one of the 12 zodiac animals, which rotates in a 12-year cycle.

How do people use the Chinese calendar in their daily lives?

The Chinese calendar is used for determining auspicious dates for important events, such as weddings, moving into a new home, and opening a business. It is also used in agriculture to determine planting and harvesting times based on lunar cycles. Many traditional holidays and festivals in China, like the Mid-Autumn Festival and Dragon Boat Festival, are based on the Chinese calendar. Additionally, people consult their Chinese zodiac signs for personal guidance and compatibility in various aspects of life.

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