12 Months Of Lunar Calendar
As we enter the year 2023, it’s important to note that there are many different calendars that people use around the world. One of the most fascinating is the Lunar Calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon. In this article, we’ll explore the 12 months of the Lunar Calendar and the events and festivals that take place during each one.
Introduction to the Lunar Calendar
The Lunar Calendar is used by many cultures around the world, including in China, Korea, and Vietnam. It’s based on the cycles of the moon, with each month beginning on the day of the new moon and lasting until the next new moon. This means that the Lunar Calendar year is shorter than the Gregorian Calendar year, which is based on the cycles of the sun.
The 12 Months of the Lunar Calendar
The Lunar Calendar has 12 months, each with its own unique name and significance. Here they are:
- 1. First Month (January/February)
- 2. Second Month (February/March)
- 3. Third Month (March/April)
- 4. Fourth Month (April/May)
- 5. Fifth Month (May/June)
- 6. Sixth Month (June/July)
- 7. Seventh Month (July/August)
- 8. Eighth Month (August/September)
- 9. Ninth Month (September/October)
- 10. Tenth Month (October/November)
- 11. Eleventh Month (November/December)
- 12. Twelfth Month (December/January)
Events and Festivals in the Lunar Calendar
Each month of the Lunar Calendar is associated with different events and festivals. Here are some of the most important:
First Month (January/February)
The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is celebrated on the first day of the first month. It’s the most important festival in many Asian countries, including China, Vietnam, and Korea. Families gather together to eat traditional foods, exchange gifts, and watch dragon and lion dances.
Second Month (February/March)
The Lantern Festival, also known as the Yuanxiao Festival, is celebrated on the 15th day of the second month. It marks the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations and is a time for families to gather together and eat sweet glutinous rice balls called yuanxiao.
Third Month (March/April)
The Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day, is celebrated on the 15th day of the third month. It’s a time for families to visit the graves of their ancestors and pay their respects.
Fourth Month (April/May)
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month. It’s a time for racing dragon boats, eating zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), and drinking realgar wine.
Fifth Month (May/June)
The Double Fifth Festival, also known as the Zhonghe Festival, is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month. It’s a time for eating zongzi and drinking realgar wine, as well as for flying kites and wearing perfume pouches.
Sixth Month (June/July)
The Ghost Festival, also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival, is celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh month. It’s a time for offering food and incense to the spirits of the dead.
Seventh Month (July/August)
The Hungry Ghost Festival, also known as the Ghost Month, takes place throughout the entire seventh month. It’s a time when the spirits of the dead are believed to roam the earth, and people offer food and incense to appease them.
Eighth Month (August/September)
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month. It’s a time for families to gather together and eat mooncakes, which are round pastries filled with sweet or savory fillings.
Ninth Month (September/October)
The Double Ninth Festival, also known as Chongyang Festival, is celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth month. It’s a time for climbing mountains, drinking chrysanthemum wine, and eating chongyang cake.
Tenth Month (October/November)
The Winter Solstice, also known as Dongzhi Festival, is celebrated on the 22nd or 23rd day of the tenth month. It’s a time for eating tangyuan (glutinous rice balls), which symbolize reunion and harmony.
Eleventh Month (November/December)
The Laba Festival is celebrated on the eighth day of the twelfth month. It’s a time for eating laba porridge, which is made from mixed grains and is believed to bring good luck and health.
Twelfth Month (December/January)
The Spring Festival Eve, also known as New Year’s Eve, is celebrated on the last day of the twelfth month. It’s a time for families to gather together and eat a big feast, watch the CCTV New Year’s Gala, and set off fireworks.
Question and Answer Section
What is the significance of the Lunar Calendar?
The Lunar Calendar is significant because it’s based on the cycles of the moon, which was one of the earliest ways that humans measured time. It’s also used in many cultures around the world and is associated with a wide variety of festivals and events.
How is the Lunar Calendar different from the Gregorian Calendar?
The Lunar Calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, while the Gregorian Calendar is based on the cycles of the sun. This means that the Lunar Calendar year is shorter than the Gregorian Calendar year, and the months begin and end at different times.
What are some other calendars used around the world?
Some other calendars used around the world include the Islamic Calendar, the Hebrew Calendar, and the Hindu Calendar.
FAQs
When is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year is celebrated on the first day of the first Lunar month, which usually falls between January 21 and February 20.
What is the most important festival in the Lunar Calendar?
The most important festival in the Lunar Calendar is the Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year.
What is the significance of the Dragon Boat Festival?
The Dragon Boat Festival is significant because it commemorates the death of the poet Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in the Miluo River to protest against the corruption of the government.
What is the significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival?
The Mid-Autumn Festival is significant because it celebrates the harvest and the full moon, which is a symbol of reunion and harmony.
What is the significance of the Spring Festival Eve?
The Spring Festival Eve is significant because it marks the end of the Lunar Calendar year and the beginning of a new one. It’s a time for families to gather together and make wishes for good luck and prosperity in the coming year.