✅
January (一月)
1.
元旦 (New Year’s Day)
China’s
official New Year begins on January 1, aligned with the international calendar.
Although it is not part of the traditional lunar calendar, modern Chinese
society recognizes it as a public holiday. Celebrations include fireworks,
countdown events, and family gatherings, symbolizing renewal and new
beginnings.
2.
小寒 – Minor Cold (Solar Term)
One
of the coldest periods of the year, marking the start of late winter.
Historically, Chinese farmers prepared preserved foods and reinforced homes to
withstand freezing temperatures. It symbolizes endurance, resilience, and
preparation for harsher cold ahead.
3.
大寒 – Great Cold (Solar Term)
The
final solar term of the lunar year and the coldest period. Ancient medical
texts describe this time for “conserving qi” by consuming warming foods like
ginger and lamb. Culturally, it represents purification before the arrival of
the Lunar New Year.
4.
除夕 – Chinese New Year’s Eve
The
most important reunion night in Chinese culture. Families gather for 年夜饭 (New Year’s Eve Feast), perform 守岁 (staying up all night), and give 红包 (red envelopes). Rituals include
cleaning the house, offering prayers to ancestors, and welcoming the God of
Wealth.
5.
春节
– Spring Festival (Chinese New Year)
China’s
largest festival, marking the first day of the lunar calendar. Celebrations
last 15 days and include:
- Dragon and lion dances
- Visiting relatives (拜年)
- Firecrackers to chase away evil
spirits
- Temple fairs
It symbolizes renewal, prosperity, and family unity.
✅
February (二月)
6.
立春 – Beginning of Spring (Solar Term)
Marks
the official start of spring in the traditional Chinese calendar. Ancient
emperors held the 迎春仪式 (Spring Welcoming Ceremony). Farmers
observe this term as the start of plowing, fertilizing, and preparing fields.
7.
元宵节
– Lantern Festival
The
15th day of the Lunar New Year, ending the Spring Festival season. Traditions
include:
- Lighting lanterns symbolizing
brightness and hope
- Solving lantern riddles (猜灯谜)
- Eating 汤圆, symbolizing family unity
Historically linked to worship of the celestial gods.
8.
雨水 – Rain Water (Solar Term)
Signals
the first spring rains. It indicates rising temperatures and the melting of
ice. Farmers use this period to irrigate early crops and prune fruit trees. In
folklore, this day affects future harvests and livestock health.
✅
March (三月)
9.
惊蛰
– Awakening of Insects (Solar Term)
Traditionally
marks the moment when spring thunder “awakens” insects from winter hibernation.
Farmers begin pest control, fertilization, and early seeding. It symbolizes
nature's revival and increased yang energy.
10.
国际妇女节 – International Women’s Day
Celebrated
widely in China, honoring women’s contributions to society. Many workplaces
give half-days or small gifts to female employees.
11.
春分 – Spring Equinox (Solar Term)
Day
and night become equal. Historically, Chinese astronomers used this date for
measuring the sun’s movement. Farmers plant crops requiring balanced sunlight.
Traditional customs include flying kites and egg-balancing games.
✅
April (四月)
12.
清明节
– Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day)
A
major ancestor veneration holiday. Families visit graves to sweep tombs, offer
food, burn incense, and honor their heritage. Also associated with 踏青
(spring outings) and kite-flying. Recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural
Heritage.
13.
谷雨 – Grain Rain (Solar Term)
Named
for increased rainfall essential for grain growth. Tea farmers consider this
the best time to harvest premium 谷雨茶. It marks the final solar term of
spring.
✅
May (五月)
14.
劳动节 – Labour Day
A
national holiday celebrating workers and labor contributions. Chinese families
often travel domestically, making it one of the busiest tourism weeks.
15.
立夏 – Beginning of Summer (Solar Term)
Indicates
warming temperatures and active crop growth. Traditional customs include
weighing people on a scale (称人) and eating eggs to stay healthy.
16.
小满
– Grain Buds (Solar Term)
Represents
crops beginning to fill with grains but not fully ripe. Farmers monitor water
levels carefully to prevent drought. Culturally associated with
modesty—“enough, but not full.”
17.
五月初一 – Lunar Month Start
Marks
the first day of the 5th lunar month, connected to rice planting traditions.
18.
端午节
– Dragon Boat Festival
A
UNESCO-recognized festival honoring poet Qu Yuan. Celebrations include:
- Dragon boat racing
- Eating 粽子 (sticky rice dumplings)
- Hanging mugwort and calamus
- Wearing scented sachets to ward off
disease
Symbolizes loyalty, health, and summer protection.
✅
June (六月)
19.
国际儿童节 – Children’s Day
Celebrates
children's well-being. Schools hold performances, carnivals, and activities
focused on fun and creativity.
20.
芒种 – Grain in Ear (Solar Term)
Marks
the peak of wheat harvesting and rice transplanting. The name refers to “seeds
with awns.” Farmers must work rapidly due to tight planting deadlines.
21.
夏至 – Summer Solstice (Solar Term)
Longest
daytime of the year. Historically, emperors held ceremonies honoring the Earth.
Women traditionally ate noodles for cooling.
22.
六月初一 – Lunar Month Start
✅
July (七月)
23.
小暑 – Minor Heat (Solar Term)
Begins
the summer heat cycle. Families prepare cooling foods like watermelon and mung
bean soup.
24.
大暑 – Great Heat (Solar Term)
The
hottest days of the year. Traditional medicine advises avoiding excessive yang
foods and emphasizing hydration.
25.
七月初一 – Lunar Month Start
26.
七夕节
– Qixi Festival
China’s
“Valentine’s Day.” Based on the legend of the Cowherd and Weaver Girl, lovers
separated by the Milky Way. Customs include:
- Praying for wisdom and love
- Needlework contests for girls
- Romantic celebrations for couples
✅
August (八月)
27.
立秋 – Beginning of Autumn (Solar Term)
Marks
the transition into autumn despite hot weather. Families eat 入伏肉
(meat dishes) to regain strength.
28.
处暑 – End of Heat (Solar Term)
Signals
the decreasing summer heat. Farmers harvest early rice and prepare for autumn
planting.
29.
八月初一 – Lunar Month Start
✅
September (九月)
30.
中秋节
– Mid-Autumn Festival
Celebrates
the full moon, family unity, and harvest abundance. Traditions include:
- Eating mooncakes
- Moon gazing
- Lighting lanterns
Based on the legend of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess.
31.
白露 – White Dew (Solar Term)
Dew
begins to appear as temperatures drop. Farmers prepare for major crop harvests.
32.
九月初一 – Lunar Month Start
33.
秋分 – Autumn Equinox (Solar Term)
Day
and night are equal again. Marks balanced yin and yang energy. Also a major
time for ancestor offerings in rural areas.
✅
October (十月)
34.
国庆节
– National Day
Celebrates
the founding of the People’s Republic of China (1949). The “Golden Week”
creates massive travel waves. Parades, ceremonies, and national flag-raising
events are held.
35.
寒露 – Cold Dew (Solar Term)
Dew
becomes cold and turns white. A sign of deeper autumn. Farmers harvest crops
and begin storing food.
36.
十月初一 – Lunar Month Start
37.
霜降 – Frost’s Descent (Solar Term)
First
frost appears in northern China. People consume warming foods to prevent
illness.
✅
November (十一月)
38.
立冬 – Beginning of Winter (Solar Term)
Start
of winter. Ancient customs include eating dumplings to protect ears from
frostbite (folk legend from Zhang Zhongjing).
39.
十一月初一 – Lunar Month Start
40.
小雪 – Minor Snow (Solar Term)
Light
snowfall begins. Farmers store cabbages, radishes, and grains for winter.
✅
December (十二月)
41.
大雪 – Great Snow (Solar Term)
Heavy
snow arrives, temperatures drop dramatically. People practice 进补 (winter nourishment) to strengthen the
body.
42.
腊月初一 – Start of the Last Lunar Month
Connected
to ancestor worship and preparations for the Lunar New Year.
43.
冬至 – Winter Solstice
A
major festival older than Chinese New Year. Northern China eats dumplings;
southern China eats 汤圆 for unity. Symbolizes the rise of yang
energy after its lowest point.