A long time ago, in the first month of spring, the calendar reform began. At that time, spring thawed the land, and life stirred. Fish began to swim in the water. Everything grew in order of the four seasons, starting in spring and ending in autumn. Three cock-crows heralded dawn. There are twelve months in a year, with the last month being the twelfth month. The sun and moon alternate, hence there is light. Light symbolized beginnings, darkness, the nascent; they were seen as complementary forces, like yin and yang. The alternation of male and female follows a normal order. The sun sets in the west and rises in the east; the moon sets in the east and rises in the west. If you go against nature and the people, you're asking for trouble; everything will easily fail and success will be difficult to achieve.
When changing dynasties and accepting the mandate of heaven, one must be cautious in handling the beginning, correcting the calendar, changing the colors of clothing, tracing back to the origin of the heavenly path, and following the will of heaven.
Sima Qian said: It is difficult to verify events before the time of Shen Nong. Probably during the time of the Yellow Emperor, astrology and calendars were verified, and the Five Elements philosophy was established. The changes of solar terms were calculated, and leap months were formulated. This led to the appointment of officials in charge of the heavens, the earth, the spirits, and all things, known as the "Five Officials." Each had their own responsibilities and did not interfere with each other. Therefore, people lived honestly, and the spirits showed their favor. When the people and the spirits each fulfilled their duties and respected each other without offending, the spirits would bestow good things. The people would offer sacrifices with offerings, and disasters would not occur; desired things would be fulfilled.
When the Shao Haoshi, a ruling clan, declined, the Jiuli launched a rebellion, disrupting social order. The people and the spirits were mixed together, unable to distinguish between them, and disasters continued endlessly. After Zhuang Xu ascended to the throne, he restored order by appointing Nan Zhengzhong as Heavenly Official, responsible for the spirits' worship, and Huo Zhengli as Earthly Official, responsible for the people's affairs, ensuring their distinct roles were once again respected.
Later, the Sanmiao tribe inherited the Jiuli's ways, so both of these official positions were abolished. The extra month was all messed up, they even scrapped the first month of spring, the Sheti calendar was all over the place, and the whole calendar system was a mess. Emperor Yao brought back some of Chongli's descendants, didn't forget the old ways, kept them in charge of the calendar, and established the office of Xihe. If they could just get the calendar right, then yin and yang would be in balance, good fortune would follow, and people wouldn't get sick. When Yao got old, he stepped down and gave the throne to Shun, telling Shun to follow the old ways, saying, "The fate of the calendar rests in your hands." Shun also passed this responsibility on to Yu. So you can see, the calendar was a big deal for emperors.
The Xia Dynasty started the year in January, the Shang Dynasty started the year in December, and the Zhou Dynasty started the year in November. These three dynasties' New Years just went round and round. When things were peaceful, the calendar stayed on track; when things were chaotic, the vassal states ignored it.
After King You and King Li, the Zhou Dynasty declined, and lowly officials took over. Nobody bothered keeping track of dates, and the rulers stopped worshipping their ancestors regularly. The calendar experts scattered to the winds, some staying in the Central Plains, others heading off to barbarian lands, leaving sacrifices and divinations all over the place, with no one in charge. The Spring and Autumn Annals slammed King Xiang for it in his 26th year. Wise rulers always got it right from the start. They kept it up and fixed any mistakes along the way. That way, the calendar was always accurate, people weren't confused, and everything ran smoothly.
Later, during the Warring States period, the various kingdoms fought and annexed each other; everyone was too busy fighting wars to bother with such things! At that time, only Zou Yan understood the theory of the Five Phases and used it to explain the rise and fall of various states. However, after the Qin state conquered the six states, the wars continued, and Qin Shi Huang ruled for a short time, leaving him little time to attend to these matters. Zou Yan also speculated that the Qin Dynasty had received auspicious signs associated with the Water element, designated the Yellow River as "Virtuous Water," and changed October to the first month, altering the color of clothing to black. However, careful calculations of the calendar and intercalary months still did not reveal any true auspicious signs.
After the establishment of the Han Dynasty, Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang said, "The northern ancestral temple is waiting for me!" He also believed that he had received auspicious signs associated with the Water element. Although people like Zhang Cang, who were proficient in calendar calculations, shared this belief, the world had just been unified, various systems were being established, Empress Lu was in power, and everyone was too busy to attend to these matters, so they continued to use the calendar and clothing of the Qin Dynasty.
During the reign of Emperor Wen of Han, a man from the state of Lu, Gong Sunchen, wrote to the emperor, stating that the Han Dynasty should receive the Earth Virtue, change the reign title, and alter the calendar and clothing colors. He claimed that auspicious signs would appear, and indeed a yellow dragon appeared. This matter was handed over to Prime Minister Zhang Cang, who also understood the calendar. He believed Gong Sunchen was mistaken and vetoed the proposal. Later, the yellow dragon truly appeared in Chengji, and Zhang Cang faced criticism for it. He was unable to complete the work he intended to write. Xinyi Ping relied on observing celestial phenomena to predict good and bad luck and also suggested changing the calendar and clothing. Because he was favored by the emperor, he later rebelled, and so Emperor Wen of Han dismissed such proposals thereafter.
Since I ascended the throne, I have summoned many astrologers to Chang'an to be in charge of calendrical calculations. Luo Xiaohong of Bajun was responsible for reconciling the movements of the sun and moon with the Xia calendar. Therefore, I changed the era name, adjusted official titles, and did the Feng and Shan sacrifices at Mount Tai. I also issued a decree to the Imperial Historian, saying: "Word came that the laws governing the movements of celestial bodies have not been fully determined. I have sought opinions widely to understand these laws, but have not yet fully grasped them. I've heard tales of the Yellow Emperor's time, when people lived in harmony with nature, enjoyed long lives, and had a deep understanding of the heavens, mastering the Five Elements and developing precise methods for predicting weather and seasonal changes. Amazing! Unfortunately, many relevant texts are incomplete, with much content lost, which I deeply regret. I'm not all-knowing, so I'm doing my best, going with the flow. Today is the summer solstice, and we're setting the musical tones accordingly. From now on, the qi of heaven and earth will gradually return to normal, the Yu note will become clear, and all phenomena will return to their normal patterns of change, until the winter solstice, the eleventh month of the Jiazi year, when the balance of yin and yang will be fully manifested. I have decided that starting from this day, every seven years will mark a new Tai Chu Yuan year."
◎Historical Astrology Chapter
In the Tai Chu Yuan year, the year's name is "Yanfeng She Ti Ge," the month's name is "Bi Ju," the day is Jiazi, and the night is the winter solstice at midnight.
【True North】
This is a calendar table, which is difficult to explain in modern Chinese, so I will keep the original text:
Twelve
No major remainder, no minor remainder; no major remainder, no minor remainder;
Yanfeng She Ti Ge Tai Chu Yuan year.
Twelve
Major remainder fifty-four, minor remainder three hundred and forty-eight; major remainder five, minor remainder eight;
Duan Meng Dan E second year.
Leap Thirteen
Major remainder forty-eight, minor remainder six hundred and ninety-six; major remainder ten, minor remainder sixteen;
You Zhao Zhi Xu third year.
Twelve
Major remainder twelve, minor remainder six hundred and three; major remainder fifteen, minor remainder twenty-four;
Qiang Wu Da Huang Luo fourth year.
Twelve
Larger Remainder seven, Smaller Remainder eleven; Larger Remainder twenty-one, no Smaller Remainder;
Tuwei Dun Zangtian first year.
Thirteen leap months.
Larger Remainder one, Smaller Remainder three hundred fifty-nine; Larger Remainder twenty-six, Smaller Remainder eight;
Zhuli Xieqia second year.
Twelve.
Larger Remainder twenty-five, Smaller Remainder two hundred sixty-six; Larger Remainder thirty-one, Smaller Remainder sixteen;
Shang Heng Tan third year.
Twelve.
Larger Remainder nineteen, Smaller Remainder six hundred fourteen; Larger Remainder thirty-six, Smaller Remainder twenty-four;
Zhaoyang Zuo'e fourth year.
Thirteen leap months.
Larger Remainder fourteen, Smaller Remainder twenty-two; Larger Remainder forty-two, no Smaller Remainder; Heng Ai Yan Mao Taishi first year.
Twelve.
Larger Remainder thirty-seven, Smaller Remainder eight hundred sixty-nine; Larger Remainder forty-seven, Smaller Remainder eight;
In a certain year BCE, Shangzhang Dayuan Xian second year, leap month is thirteen. Larger Remainder is thirty-two, Smaller Remainder is two hundred seventy-seven; Larger Remainder is fifty-two, Smaller Remainder is sixteen. This looks like a record of lunar dates or astronomical observations, but the exact meaning is unclear.
Then it’s Yan Fengkun Dun three years, twelve months. Larger Remainder fifty-six, Smaller Remainder one hundred eighty-four; Larger Remainder fifty-seven, Smaller Remainder twenty-four. Next is Duan Mengchifanruo four years, twelve months. Larger Remainder fifty, Smaller Remainder five hundred thirty-two; Larger Remainder three, no Smaller Remainder. Every year, the numbers recorded are different; it looks a bit like bookkeeping, but I'm not sure.
You Zhao She Ti Gezhenghe first year, leap month is thirteen. Larger Remainder forty-four, Smaller Remainder eight hundred eighty; Larger Remainder eight, Smaller Remainder eight. Qiang Wu Dan E Er two years, twelve months. Larger Remainder eight, Smaller Remainder seven hundred eighty-seven; Larger Remainder thirteen, Smaller Remainder sixteen. Tu Wei Zhi Xu three years, twelve months. Larger Remainder three, Smaller Remainder one hundred ninety-five; Larger Remainder eighteen, Smaller Remainder twenty-four.
Zhuli Da Mang Luo four years, leap month is thirteen. Larger Remainder fifty-seven, Smaller Remainder five hundred forty-three; Larger Remainder twenty-four, no Smaller Remainder. Shang Heng Dun Zanghouyuan first year, twelve months. Larger Remainder twenty-one, Smaller Remainder four hundred fifty; Larger Remainder twenty-nine, Smaller Remainder eight. Zhaoyang Zhi Qia second year, leap month is thirteen. Larger Remainder fifteen, Smaller Remainder seven hundred ninety-eight; Larger Remainder thirty-four, Smaller Remainder sixteen.
In the first year of Heng Ai Dun Tan, there were 12 months. The larger remainder was 39, with a remainder of 705; the smaller remainder was 39, with a remainder of 24. In the second year of Shang Zhang Zuo E, there were 12 months. The larger remainder was 34, with a remainder of 113; the smaller remainder was 45, with no remainder. In the third year of Yan Feng Yan Mao, there was a leap month, making thirteen months in total. The larger remainder was 28, with a remainder of 461; the smaller remainder was 50, with a remainder of 8. In the fourth year of Duan Meng Da Yuan Xian, there were 12 months. The larger remainder was 52, with a remainder of 368; the smaller remainder was 55, with a remainder of 16. In the fifth year of You Zhao Kun Dun, there were 12 months. The larger remainder was 46, with a remainder of 716; there was no larger remainder, with a remainder of 24. In the sixth year of Qiang Wu Chi Fen Ruo, there was a leap month, making thirteen months in total. The larger remainder was 41, with a remainder of 124; the smaller remainder was 6, with no remainder. In the first year of Tu Wei She Ti Ge Yuan Feng, there were 12 months. The larger remainder was 5, with a remainder of 31; the smaller remainder was 11, with a remainder of 8. In the second year of Zhu Li Dan E, there were 12 months. The larger remainder was 59, with a remainder of 379; the smaller remainder was 16, with a remainder of 16. In the third year of Shang Heng Zhi Xu, there was a leap month, making thirteen months in total. The larger remainder was 53, with a remainder of 727; the smaller remainder was 21, with a remainder of 24. In the fourth year of Zhao Yang Da Huang Luo, there were 12 months. The larger remainder was 17, with a remainder of 634; the smaller remainder was 27, with no remainder. In the fifth year of Heng Ai Dun Zang, there was a leap month, making thirteen months in total. The larger remainder was 12, with a remainder of 42; the smaller remainder was 32, with a remainder of 8. In a certain year BC, it was the year of Heng Ai Dun Zang, with a leap month in the thirteenth month. This account is somewhat complex, with a larger remainder of 12 and a remainder of 42; another larger remainder of 32, with a remainder of 8. In the sixth year of Shang Zhang Zhi Qia, there were 12 months. The larger remainder was 35, with a remainder of 889; the smaller remainder was 37, with a remainder of 16. In the year of Shang Zhang Zhi Qia, there were 12 months. This account was even more complex, with a larger remainder of 35 and a remainder of 889; another larger remainder of 37, with a remainder of 16. In the first year of Yan Feng Dun Tan Yuan Ping, there were 12 months. The larger remainder was 30, with a remainder of 297; the smaller remainder was 42, with a remainder of 24. Then, in the first year of Yan Feng Dun Tan Yuan Ping, also with 12 months. The larger remainder was 30, with a remainder of 297; another larger remainder of 42, with a remainder of 24.
During the first year of the Duan Meng Zuo era, there was a thirteenth month (leap month). There were remainders of twenty-four and six hundred and forty-five, and a second remainder of forty-eight had no further remainder.
In the second year of Yóu Zhào Yān Mào, there were twelve months. There were remainders of forty-eight and five hundred and fifty-two, with a further remainder of fifty-three and a remainder of eight.
The third year of Qiáng Wú Dà Yuānxiàn had twelve months. There were remainders of forty-two and nine hundred, and a second remainder of fifty-eight had a remainder of sixteen.
In the fourth year of Tú Wéi Kùn Dūn, there was a thirteenth month (leap month). There were remainders of thirty-seven and three hundred and eight, with a second remainder of three and a remainder of twenty-four.
The first year of Zhù Lí Chì Fèn Ruò Dì Jié saw twelve months. There were remainders of one and two hundred and fifteen, and a second remainder of nine had no further remainder.
In the second year of Shāng Héng Shè Tí Gé, there was a thirteenth month (leap month). There were remainders of fifty-five and five hundred and sixty-three, with a further remainder of fourteen and a remainder of eight.
The third year of Zhāo Yáng Dān E had twelve months. There were remainders of nineteen and four hundred and seventy, and a second remainder of nineteen had a remainder of sixteen.
In the fourth year of Héng Ài Zhí Xú, there were twelve months. There were remainders of thirteen and eight hundred and eighteen, and a second remainder of twenty-four had a remainder of twenty-four.
During the first year of Shàng Zhāng Dà Huāng Luò Yuán Kāng, there was a thirteenth month (leap month). There were remainders of eight and two hundred and twenty-six, with a second remainder of thirty having no further remainder.
In the first year of Shangzhang Dahuangluo Yuan Kang (leap month, thirteenth month): major cycle 8, minor cycle 226; another major cycle 30, no minor cycle.
In the second year of Yanfeng Dunzang (twelfth month): major cycle 32, minor cycle 133; another major cycle 35, minor cycle 8.
In the third year of Duanmeng Xieqia (twelfth month): major cycle 26, minor cycle 481; another major cycle 40, minor cycle 16.
In the fourth year of Youzhao Tang (leap month, thirteenth month): major cycle 20, minor cycle 829; another major cycle 45, minor cycle 24.
In the first year of Qiangwu Zuo Eshen Que (twelfth month): major cycle 44, minor cycle 736; another major cycle 51, no minor cycle.
In the second year of Tuwei Yanmao (twelfth month): major cycle 39, minor cycle 144; another major cycle 56, minor cycle 8.
In the third year of Zhuli Dayuan Xian (leap month, thirteenth month): major cycle 33, minor cycle 492; another major cycle 1, minor cycle 16.
In the fourth year of Shangheng Kundun (twelfth month): major cycle 57, minor cycle 399; another major cycle 6, minor cycle 24.
In the first year of Zhaoyang Chifengruo Wu Feng (leap month, thirteenth month): major cycle 51, minor cycle 747; another major cycle 12, no minor cycle.
This is the Zhaoyang Chifengruo year during the Wufeng period, with a leap month in the thirteenth month. The remainders are fifty-one and seven hundred forty-seven; the remainders are twelve and no small remainder.
During the second year of the Heng'ai Shetige period, in December. The remainders are fifteen and six hundred fifty-four; the remainders are seventeen and eight.
This is the second year of the Heng'ai Shetige period, in December. The remainders are fifteen and six hundred fifty-four; the remainders are seventeen and eight.
In the third year of the Shangzhang Dan'e period, in December. The remainders are ten and sixty-two; the remainders are twenty-two and sixteen.
This is the third year of the Shangzhang Dan'e period, in December. The remainders are ten and sixty-two; the remainders are twenty-two and sixteen.
In the fourth year of the Yanfeng Zhixu period, with a leap month in the thirteenth month. The remainders are four and four hundred ten; the remainders are twenty-seven and twenty-four.
This is the fourth year of the Yanfeng Zhixu period, with a leap month in the thirteenth month. The remainders are four and four hundred ten; the remainders are twenty-seven and twenty-four.
In the first year of the Duanmeng Dahuangluo Ganlu period, in December. The remainders are twenty-eight and three hundred seventeen; the remainders are thirty-three and no small remainder.
This is the first year of the Duanmeng Dahuangluo Ganlu period, in December. The remainders are twenty-eight and three hundred seventeen; the remainders are thirty-three and no small remainder.
In the second year of the Youzhao Duntang period, in December. The remainders are twenty-two and six hundred sixty-five; the remainders are thirty-eight and eight.
This is the second year of the Youzhao Duntang period, in December. The remainders are twenty-two and six hundred sixty-five; the remainders are thirty-eight and eight.
In the third year of the Qiangwu Xieqia period, with a leap month in the thirteenth month. The remainders are seventeen and seventy-three; the remainders are forty-three and sixteen.
This is the third year of the Qiangwu Xieqia period, with a leap month in the thirteenth month. The remainders are seventeen and seventy-three; the remainders are forty-three and sixteen.
In the fourth year of the Tuwei Tantan period, in December. The remainders are forty and nine hundred twenty; the remainders are forty-eight and twenty-four.
This is the fourth year of the Tuwei Tantan period, in December. The remainders are forty and nine hundred twenty; the remainders are forty-eight and twenty-four.
In the first year of the Zhuli Zuo'e Huanglong period, with a leap month in the thirteenth month. The remainders are thirty-five and three hundred twenty-eight; the remainders are fifty-four and no small remainder.
This marks the first year of Zhu Li's reign during the E Huang Long year, with an extra month in January. The remainders are 35 and 328; the remainder is 54, with no remainder.
In the first year of Shang Heng Yan Mao Chu Yuan, facing east (a reference to the calendar's orientation), in December. The remainders are 59 and 235; the remainder is 59, and the remainder is 8.
This is the first year of Shang Heng Yan Mao Chu Yuan, facing east (a reference to the calendar's orientation), in December. The remainders are 59 and 235; the remainder is 59, and the remainder is 8.
In the second year of Zhao Yang Da Yuan Xian, in December. The remainders are 53 and 583; the remainder is 4, and the remainder is 16.
This is the second year of Zhao Yang Da Yuan Xian, in December. The remainders are 53 and 583; the remainder is 4, and the remainder is 16.
In the third year of Heng Ai Kun Dun, with an extra month in January. The remainders are 47 and 931; the remainder is 9, and the remainder is 24.
This is the third year of Heng Ai Kun Dun, with an extra month in January. The remainders are 47 and 931; the remainder is 9, and the remainder is 24.
In the fourth year of Shang Zhang Chi Fen Ruo, in December. The remainders are 11 and 838; the remainder is 15, with no remainder.
This is the fourth year of Shang Zhang Chi Fen Ruo, in December. The remainders are 11 and 838; the remainder is 15, with no remainder.
In the fifth year of Yan Feng She Ti Ge, in December. The remainders are 6 and 246; the remainder is 20, and the remainder is 8.
This is the fifth year of Yan Feng She Ti Ge, in December. The remainders are 6 and 246; the remainder is 20, and the remainder is 8.
In the first year of Duan Meng Dan E Yong Guang, with an extra month in January. There is no remainder, and the remainder is 594; the remainder is 25, and the remainder is 16.
This is the first year of Duan Meng Dan E Yong Guang, with an extra month in January. There is no remainder, and the remainder is 594; the remainder is 25, and the remainder is 16.
In the second year of You Zhao Zhi Xu, in December. The remainders are 24 and 501; the remainder is 30, and the remainder is 24.
This is the second year of You Zhao Zhi Xu, in December. The remainders are 24 and 501; the remainder is 30, and the remainder is 24.
In the third year of Qiang Wu Da Huang Luo, in December. The remainders are 18 and 849; the remainder is 36, with no remainder.
This is the third year of *Qiangwu Dahuangluo*, in December. The first remainder is 18, the second remainder is 849; the first remainder is 36, there is no second remainder.
In the fourth year of *Tuweidun Zang*, the thirteenth month is a leap month. The first remainder is 13, the second remainder is 257; the first remainder is 41, the second remainder is 8.
This is the fourth year of *Tuweidun Zang*, with a leap month in the thirteenth month. The first remainder is 13, the second remainder is 257; the first remainder is 41, the second remainder is 8.
In the fifth year of *Zhuli Xieqia*, in December. The first remainder is 37, the second remainder is 164; the first remainder is 46, the second remainder is 16.
This is the fifth year of *Zhuli Xieqia*, in December. The first remainder is 37, the second remainder is 164; the first remainder is 46, the second remainder is 16.
The Shang Dynasty was founded in Tuntan, in the first year of *Zhaoyuan*.
The thirteenth month is a leap month; the first remainder is 31, the second remainder is 512; the first remainder is 51, the second remainder is 24.
The second year of *Zhao Yang's* administration.
In December, the first remainder is 55, the second remainder is 419; the first remainder is 57, there is no second remainder.
The third year of *Heng Ai* and *Yan Mao's* administration.
In December, the first remainder is 49, the second remainder is 767; the first remainder is 2, the second remainder is 8.
The fourth year of *Shang Zhang* and *Dayuan Xian's* administration.
The thirteenth month is a leap month; the first remainder is 44, the second remainder is 175; the first remainder is 7, the second remainder is 16.
The fifth year of *Yan Feng's* entrapment in Dundi.
In December, the first remainder is 8, the second remainder is 82; the first remainder is 12, the second remainder is 24.
*Duan Meng's* administration, in the year of *Chifengruo*, in the first year of *Jianshi*.
In December, the first remainder is 2, the second remainder is 430; the first remainder is 18, there is no second remainder.
*You Zhao's* administration, in the year of *Shetige*, in the first year of *Jianshi*.
The thirteenth month is a leap month; the first remainder is 56, the second remainder is 778; the first remainder is 23, the second remainder is 8.
*Qiangwu's* administration, in the year of *Dan'e*, the second year.
In December, the first remainder is 20, the second remainder is 685; the first remainder is 28, the second remainder is 16.
In the third year of *Tu Wei* and *Zhi Xu's* administration.
The thirteenth month is a leap month; the first remainder is 15, the second remainder is 93; the first remainder is 33, the second remainder is 24.
*Zhuli's* administration, in the year of *Dahuangluo*, the fourth year.
The following section provides further explanation.
*Note: In this context, "大余" (dà yú) refers to the larger remainder, while "小余" (xiǎo yú) indicates the smaller remainder. These terms are part of a system used to record years and their corresponding values.*
According to a certain historical text, "Da Yu" refers to excess days, "Xiao Yu" refers to excess months, and "Duan Meng" is the name of the year. "Zhi" refers to the Earthly Branches: Chou is called Chi Fen Ruo, and Yin is called She Ti Ge. "Gan" refers to the Heavenly Stems: Bing is called You Zhao. This means that at true north, you add the Zi hour at the winter solstice; at true west, you add the You hour; at true south, you add the Wu hour; and at true east, you add the Mao hour.
