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How Is the Chinese New Year Date Determined?

Key Facts

Section titled “Key Facts”
  • The New Year date follows the second new moon after the winter solstice.
  • The calculation is astronomical, not arbitrary.
  • Korea and Vietnam use equivalent calculations derived from the Chinese lunisolar system.

Step 1: Identify the Winter Solstice

Section titled “Step 1: Identify the Winter Solstice”

The winter solstice (around December 21–22) anchors the lunisolar year.

Step 2: Determine Astronomical New Moons

Section titled “Step 2: Determine Astronomical New Moons”

Months begin at precise astronomical new moons.

Step 3: Apply the Second New Moon Rule

Section titled “Step 3: Apply the Second New Moon Rule”

Chinese New Year falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice.

Shared Chinese Calendrical Origin

Section titled “Shared Chinese Calendrical Origin”

Korea and Vietnam calculate their New Year using:

  • The same winter solstice anchor
  • The same new moon sequence
  • The same leap month rules

Thus, the calendrical origin remains historically Chinese.

For transmission history, see Transmission of the Chinese Calendar to Korea, Vietnam, and Japan.

Further Reading

Section titled “Further Reading”