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 2020 the Chinese New Year begins on the new moon on January 25, and ushers in the Year of the Rat. Which Chinese 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 Pig, rather than 2019.

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

Year of the DogLinked 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

2020   January 25, 2020 – February 11, 2021      Metal Rat

* 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…