THE CHINESE CALENDAR
“In the perception of the smallest is the secret of clear vision;
in the guarding of the weakest is the secret of all strength.”
Lao Tzu
New Moon Blessings, and Happy Chinese New Year! In 2018 the Chinese New Year begins on the new moon on February 16, and ushers in the Year of the Dog. Which astrology sign are you? (Scroll down for dates…)
The Chinese calendar is a lunisolar one, which incorporates both lunar and solar aspects, although the emphasis is on the moon and its influence. Since January 1912, the Gregorian calendar has been used for most day-to-day and civil activities in China, but the traditional Chinese calendar is still employed to determine important holidays such as Chinese New Year and the Duan Wu and Mid-Autumn Festivals. It is also used for agricultural purposes, astrology, and for choosing the most auspicious date for a wedding, funeral, business event or the opening of a building. Chinese communities around the world also use this calendar, and its events are celebrated internationally.
The beginnings of the Chinese calendar can be traced back to the third millennium BCE. It is written that Emperor Huang Di devised it in 2637 BCE, while the earliest archeological evidence of it appears on oracle bones from the fourteenth century BCE, showing a twelve-month year having an occasional thirteenth and even a fourteenth month added.
Each lunar month begins on the new moon, and is just over 29.5 days in length – the time it takes for the moon to go through an entire cycle. To reflect this, lunar calendars usually alternate months of twenty-nine and thirty days, to compensate for the half days. As a lunar year is eleven days shorter than a solar year, an extra month is added when necessary to keep the calendar in line with the seasons*.
A new year begins on the day of the second new moon after the (northern hemisphere) winter solstice, which means it can occur anywhere from January 21 to February 21 in Gregorian time. Each year is assigned an animal, rather than a number – today marks the first day of the Year of the Dog, rather than 2018.
In addition to the lunar months, the Chinese calendar also measures time in periods of sixty years, achieved by combining the five elements – metal, water, wood, fire and earth – with the twelve animal signs that identify each of their years. The pattern of years runs Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig.
The sixty-year system cycles continuously, and determines the animal sign and element – and thus the year – under which a person is born. The clues this gives about a person’s character are taken very seriously in China, and many people try to give birth to children in the Year of the Dragon or Monkey, as those born in those years are deemed to have a luckier life.
CHINESE ASTROLOGY
“How do I know where creation comes from?
I look inside myself and see it.”
From the Tao Te Ching
Linked closely to the Chinese lunar calendar is their form of astrology, as significant to them as the western concept of being born under a sun sign such as Aries, Gemini or Virgo. Unlike western astrology however, which has twelve zodiac signs based on the movement of the planets, Chinese horoscopes correspond to the year of your birth, and assign an animal and all its qualities to each year in a twelve-year cycle. An element is also assigned and gives further clues to a person’s character.
The Chinese zodiac signs are recognised throughout the world and embraced by many other cultures. They often appear on Japanese New Year cards, and the US is one of several countries to issue stamps each year to commemorate the year of the particular animal.
Often they are simplified and taken to begin on January 1 of each year, but this is incorrect. The sign begins on the first day of the Chinese New Year, so those born in the early weeks of the year must check whether they were born under the sign of the previous year. Someone born on January 25, 1971, for example, was born in the Year of the Dog, while someone born a few days later, on January 28, 1971, was born in the Year of the Pig.
Chinese astrology is the oldest known horoscope system in the world, with origins tracing back to 2637 BCE. It is based on the ancient Oriental art of divination and character reading, and the philosophy of Confucius, Lao Tse and the I Ching. It is described as an ancient viewpoint on temperament and personality, and today it is becoming as popular in the west as any other form of astrology.
The ancient Chinese consulted a horoscope disc known as the lo-king to predict the future. It had the planets and stars on the inside and the 12 animals on the outside.
There are fascinating tales of the roots of Chinese astrology. Legend has it that Buddha invited all of the animals in the kingdom to either a meeting, a celebration or to farewell him from earth. But it was an arduous journey across a river, and only twelve animals made it. As a reward for their perseverance, each had a year named after them – in order of their arrival – and the characteristics of that animal were attributed to the people born under its sign.
First to turn up was the wily, talkative Rat, who convinced the strong, hardworking Ox to give him a ride on his back – and sneakily jumped ashore ahead of him just as they got to the other side. They were followed by the honorable, courageous Tiger, the cautious, clever Rabbit, the outspoken, powerful Dragon, the philosophical, sensual Snake, the friendly, active Horse, the kind, artistic Goat, the high-spirited, likeable Monkey, the resourceful, self-assured Rooster, the loyal, empathetic Dog and the supportive, obliging Pig. Apparently the Rat also pushed the Cat off the Ox’s back into the water, so the Cat never turned up, didn’t get a year named after him, and has hated Rats ever since!
The Rat
The cycle begins with the Rat, thus those born in its year like to be first. Rats are funny, charming, adaptable, extroverted and inquisitive. They are passionate, charismatic and persuasive, and like to be active. They possess strong leadership skills and are generous to loved ones, but in their negative aspect they have the potential to be indecisive, manipulative, stubborn, aggressive, selfish and judgemental.
The Ox
People born under this sign are patient, helpful, caring, logical, positive and down to earth. Their main concern is security, and they work hard for that, being conscientious, devoted and reliable They are strong, balanced, honest and responsible, but in their negative aspect they have the potential to be stubborn, slow and possessive, and refuse to listen, be told what to do or take a risk. And while they are slow to anger, once they do, watch out!
The Tiger
Tigers are warm-hearted, powerful, sensual, adventurous, determined, regal, courageous, active and self-assured. They have a humanitarian streak and are romantic, kind, friendly, frank and open, but when backed into a corner they can become ferocious, and in their negative aspect they have the potential to be selfish, self-centered, inflexible, rash and resist authority, while sometimes being too proud to ask for help.
The Rabbit
Rabbits are quick, clever, creative and understanding. They are gentle, loyal, elegant and sensitive, and avoid conflict. They know how to make the best of themselves and are intuitive, shrewd, ambitious and friendly, but in their negative aspect they have the potential to be superficial, aloof, overly sensitive and unable to deal with adversity, and may run at the first sign of trouble, and not finish what they start.
The Dragon
Dragons are powerful, enthusiastic, artistic and mystical. They attract wealth and are intense, bright and successful.To the Chinese, the Year of the Dragon is the most desirable to be born in, blessed by the gods, and there is an increase in birth rates in this year. They are agreeable, but in their negative aspect they have the potential to be irritable, egotistical, quick-tempered, hypercritical, demanding and hard to get close to.
The Snake
Snakes are strong, charismatic, determined, sensual and enigmatic. Shrewd in business, they are financially successful and clever with negotiations. They are good communicators and make the best of things. They are wise, philosophical and understanding, but in their negative aspect they have the potential to be fickle, ruthless, possessive, secretive, double crossing, lazy, self-indulgent and hold a grudge.
The Horse
Horses are easygoing, friendly, high-spirited, humorous and get along with everyone. They are quick-witted, competitive, extroverted and lively, require freedom and get bored quickly. They are charming, cheerful, enthusiastic, romantic, unpredictable, self-possessed and sharp, but in their negative aspect they have the potential to be impatient, selfish, irresponsible, stubborn, hot-tempered, childish and tactless.
The Goat
Goats are kind, pleasant, unassuming and whimsical, and favoured by the heavens for an easy life. They are intelligent, artistic, determined, practical, good-natured and altruistic. A secure relationship is vital for their wellbeing, and they crave security. They respect rules, but in their negative aspect they have the potential to be overly sensitive, insecure, undisciplined, stubborn and suffer from depression if they don’t like their surroundings.
The Monkey
Monkeys are likeable, witty, sociable, playful, passionate and talkative. They are inquisitive, adaptable, inventive and fascinated with learning, but have a short attention span. They can succeed in anything, so births skyrocket in the year of the Monkey, but in their negative aspect they have the potential to be egotistical, lazy, selfish, unscrupulous, manipulative and need to be noticed.
The Rooster
Roosters are resourceful, organized, dedicated, talented and self-assured. They work hard, follow the rules and consider all sides, and are private, brave, resilient and tenacious. They are romantic, powerful, vivacious, amusing and popular, but in their negative aspect they have the potential to be conceited, overly critical, self-absorbed, pretentious, boastful and too blunt, and see the world in black and white.
The Dog
Dogs are the most giving of the signs, and concerned with justice. They have empathy, warmth, integrity and an interest in others, and are honest, faithful, protective, trustworthy, courageous friends who will sacrifice their dreams for those they love. They are intelligent, high achievers and take responsibility, but in their negative aspect they have the potential to be stubborn, guarded, bossy, introverted, cynical, pessimistic and defensive.
The Pig
Pigs are decent, generous, supportive and loyal. They are cheerful, obliging, naive, confident and sincere. They have a thirst for knowledge, and are sensitive and self-controlled. They work hard and will find success. They are practical, logical and down to earth, but in their negative aspect they have the potential to be lazy, insecure, untrusting, extravagant, indulgent, wary and helpless, and refuse to compromise.
THE ELEMENTS
The elements combine to give further specifics to your character, similar to a rising sign in western astrology.
Metal: Your determination is inspiring, and you are strong-willed, confident, focused, self-reliant, successful and forceful, enjoying achievement but not craving the spotlight.
Water: You act with the fluidity of a river, calm, persuasive, sensitive and reflective, and gain people’s trust with your kindness, intuition, diplomacy and passivity.
Wood: Your open mind makes you compassionate and willing to turn your life into an adventure, and you are generous, creative, idealistic, confident and keen for growth.
Fire: You are a natural leader, dynamic, charismatic, passionate, energetic and aggressive, and burn through life with charm, enthusiasm and restless emotions.
Earth: Your disciplined reserve gains you respect and admiration, and you are practical, reliable, prudent, wise, serene, logical, and firmly rooted in your morals.
WHICH SIGN ARE YOU?
Year New Year’s Day Year End Sign
1924 February 5, 1924 – January 24, 1925 Wood Rat
1925 January 25, 1925 – February 12, 1926 Wood Ox
1926 February 13, 1926 – February 1, 1927 Fire Tiger
1927 February 2, 1927 – January 22, 1928 Fire Rabbit
1928 January 23, 1928 – February 9, 1929 Earth Dragon
1929 February 10, 1929 – January 29, 1930 Earth Snake
1930 January 30, 1930 – February 16, 1931 Metal Horse
1931 February 17, 1931 – February 5, 1932 Metal Goat
1932 February 6, 1932 – January 25, 1933 Water Monkey
1933 January 26, 1933 – February 13, 1934 Water Rooster
1934 February 14, 1934 – February 3, 1935 Wood Dog
1935 February 4, 1935 – January 23, 1936 Wood Pig
1936 January 24, 1936 – February 10, 1937 Fire Rat
1937 February 11, 1937 – January 30, 1938 Fire Ox
1938 January 31, 1938 – February 18, 1939 Earth Tiger
1939 February 19, 1939 – February 7, 1940 Earth Rabbit
1940 February 8, 1940 – January 26, 1941 Metal Dragon
1941 January 27, 1941 – February 14, 1942 Metal Snake
1942 February 15, 1942 – February 4, 1943 Water Horse
1943 February 5, 1943 – January 24, 1944 Water Goat
1944 January 25, 1944 – February 12, 1945 Wood Monkey
1945 February 13, 1945 – February 1, 1946 Wood Rooster
1946 February 2, 1946 – January 21, 1947 Fire Dog
1947 January 22, 1947 – February 9, 1948 Fire Pig
1948 February 10, 1948 – January 28, 1949 Earth Rat
1949 January 29, 1949 – February 16, 1950 Earth Ox
1950 February 17, 1950 – February 5, 1951 Metal Tiger
1951 February 6, 1951 – January 26, 1952 Metal Rabbit
1952 January 27, 1952 – February 13, 1953 Water Dragon
1953 February 14, 1953 – February 2, 1954 Water Snake
1954 February 3, 1954 – January 23, 1955 Wood Horse
1955 January 24, 1955 – February 11, 1956 Wood Goat
1956 February 12, 1956 – January 30, 1957 Fire Monkey
1957 January 31, 1957 – February 17, 1958 Fire Rooster
1958 February 18, 1958 – February 7, 1959 Earth Dog
1959 February 8, 1959 – January 27, 1960 Earth Pig
1960 January 28, 1960 – February 14, 1961 Metal Rat
1961 February 15, 1961 – February 4, 1962 Metal Ox
1962 February 5, 1962 – January 24, 1963 Water Tiger
1963 January 25, 1963 – February 12, 1964 Water Rabbit
1964 February 13, 1964 – February 1, 1965 Wood Dragon
1965 February 2, 1965 – January 20, 1966 Wood Snake
1966 January 21, 1966 – February 8, 1967 Fire Horse
1967 February 9, 1967 – January 29, 1968 Fire Goat
1968 January 30, 1968 – February 16, 1969 Earth Monkey
1969 February 17, 1969 – February 5, 1970 Earth Rooster
1970 February 6, 1970 – January 26, 1971 Metal Dog
1971 January 27, 1971 – February 14, 1972 Metal Pig
1972 February 15, 1972 – February 2, 1973 Water Rat
1973 February 3, 1973 – January 22, 1974 Water Ox
1974 January 23, 1974 – February 10, 1975 Wood Tiger
1975 February 11, 1975 – January 30, 1976 Wood Rabbit
1976 January 31, 1976 – February 17, 1977 Fire Dragon
1977 February 18, 1977 – February 6, 1978 Fire Snake
1978 February 7, 1978 – January 27, 1979 Earth Horse
1979 January 28, 1979 – February 15, 1980 Earth Goat
1980 February 16, 1980 – February 4, 1981 Metal Monkey
1981 February 5, 1981 – January 24, 1982 Metal Rooster
1982 January 25, 1982 – February 12, 1983 Water Dog
1983 February 13, 1983 – February 1, 1984 Water Pig
1984 February 2, 1984 – February 19, 1985 Wood Rat
1985 February 20, 1985 – February 8, 1986 Wood Ox
1986 February 9, 1986 – January 28, 1987 Fire Tiger
1987 January 29, 1987 – February 16, 1988 Fire Rabbit
1988 February 17, 1988 – February 5, 1989 Earth Dragon
1989 February 6, 1989 – January 26, 1990 Earth Snake
1990 January 27, 1990 – February 14, 1991 Metal Horse
1991 February 15, 1991 – February 3, 1992 Metal Goat
1992 February 4, 1992 – January 22, 1993 Water Monkey
1993 January 23, 1993 – February 9, 1994 Water Rooster
1994 February 10, 1994 – January 30, 1995 Wood Dog
1995 January 31, 1995 – February 18, 1996 Wood Pig
1996 February 19, 1996 – February 7, 1997 Fire Rat
1997 February 8, 1997 – January 27, 1998 Fire Ox
1998 January 28, 1998 – February 15, 1999 Earth Tiger
1999 February 16, 1999 – February 4, 2000 Earth Rabbit
2000 February 5, 2000 – January 23, 2001 Metal Dragon
2001 January 24, 2001 – February 11, 2002 Metal Snake
2002 February 12, 2002 – January 31, 2003 Water Horse
2003 February 1, 2003 – January 21, 2004 Water Goat
2004 January 22, 2004 – February 8, 2005 Wood Monkey
2005 February 9, 2005 – January 28, 2006 Wood Rooster
2006 January 29, 2006 – February 17, 2007 Fire Dog
2007 February 18, 2007 – February 6, 2008 Fire Pig
2008 February 7, 2008 – January 25, 2009 Earth Rat
2009 January 26, 2009 – February 13, 2010 Earth Ox
2010 February 14, 2010 – February 2, 2011 Metal Tiger
2011 February 3, 2011 – January 22, 2012 Metal Rabbit
2012 January 23, 2012 – February 9, 2013 Water Dragon
2013 February 10, 2013 – January 30, 2014 Water Snake
2014 January 31, 2014 – February 18, 2015 Wood Horse
2015 February 19, 2015 – February 7, 2016 Wood Sheep
2016 February 8, 2016 – January 27, 2017 Fire Monkey
2017 January 28, 2017 – February 15, 2018 Fire Rooster
2018 February 16, 2018 – February 4, 2019 Earth Dog
2019 February 5, 2019 – January 24, 2020 Earth Pig
* Occasionally New Year’s Day falls on the third new moon after the winter solstice, depending on when the intercalary month is added, but this is rare and won’t occur again until 2033. Without the intercalary months being added (roughly seven out of every nineteen years), the New Year, and all other lunar-based festivals, would occur earlier and earlier, slipping backwards so that the Spring Festival no longer fell in spring, and the Mid-Autumn Festival happened out of step with its season…
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