Historical Origin
Learn about the development of the Chinese lunisolar calendar in ancient China.
Introduction to the Chinese Lunisolar New Year System
Understanding the historical origin and astronomical structure
Purpose of This Site
Section titled “Purpose of This Site”This documentation project examines:
- The historical origin of the Chinese lunisolar calendar
- The astronomical structure determining the New Year date
- The transmission of the calendar to neighboring regions
- The evolution of English terminology
The focus is historical and astronomical documentation.
Core Clarifications
Section titled “Core Clarifications”- The calendar system originated in ancient China.
- The New Year date is determined by a Chinese-developed lunisolar framework.
- Korea and Vietnam calculate the date using the same structural rules.
- Japan historically used the same system but abandoned it in 1873.
- The term “Lunar New Year” is a modern umbrella term.
Key Topics
Section titled “Key Topics”Astronomical Structure
Understand how the New Year date is calculated using winter solstice and new moons.
Regional Transmission
Explore how the calendar spread to Korea, Vietnam, and Japan.
Modern Terminology
Examine the evolution of terms like “Chinese New Year” vs “Lunar New Year”.
Methodology
Section titled “Methodology”All claims are supported by:
- Academic publications
- Historical records
- Astronomical calculations
- Encyclopedic references
This site does not diminish regional traditions. It distinguishes between calendrical origin and cultural evolution.