Before the Chinese adapted the westernized calendar they actually had their own lunar calendar that planned out their whole way of life. From planting to harvesting the crops all the way to their festivals, China utilized the Chinese lunar calendar for these events. Even today China’s still uses the lunar calendar in conjunction to the Western calendar.

So what exactly is a lunar month? A lunar month is basically determined by measuring the period of time that is allowed for the moment to finish its full cycle of 29 1/2 days. In lunar time 12 lunar months are separated into 24 solar splits characterized by the four seasons. This was very vital to the Chinese when it came to agricultural harvesting and farm work.

A quick fun fact. Did you know that the Chinese actually used a lunar calendar to predict baby genders? Even though most Westerners don’t really believe in this notion this is something that the people in China believe almost wholeheartedly and have for over 700 years now. So if you really want to guess the gender of your newborn baby this may be a fun thing that you can look into.

At the newly lunar year the Chinese symbolize it as a past time of festive fun and cultural acknowledgment. From wild colors, fireworks, and ancient dances, the newly lunar year is held closely to the heart of many Chinese people and have so for hundreds of years. The new lunar year is considered a time of piece and a brand-new start to life for many.