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Meaning and Context
The Chinese Almanac (also called Tong Shu 通书) is an annual publication that has been used for thousands of years. It integrates astronomy, calendar science, Five Elements theory, and deity factors into a comprehensive daily guide.
Each day in the almanac includes:
- Stems and Branches (干支): The cyclical dating system for year, month, day, and hour
- Solar Terms (节气): The 24 divisions marking seasonal changes
- Yi (宜): Activities suitable for that day
- Ji (忌): Activities to avoid that day
- Twelve Day Officers (十二建除): Day classifications affecting suitability
- Deities and Sha (神煞): Auspicious and inauspicious spiritual forces
Classical Foundation
The almanac tradition is documented in classical texts like Xieji Bianfang Shu.
Classical definition
「黄历者，记日之宜忌，辨吉凶之书也。」
Plain interpretation
"The Almanac records daily do's and don'ts, distinguishing fortune and misfortune." This captures the essential purpose: providing guidance for timing important activities.
Key Components
Understanding almanac components:
- Twelve Day Officers: Jian (建), Chu (除), Man (满), Ping (平), Ding (定), Zhi (执), Po (破), Wei (危), Cheng (成), Shou (收), Kai (开), Bi (闭)
- Auspicious Deities: Tian De (天德), Yue De (月德), Tian Xi (天喜), Tian Yi (天医)
- Malevolent Sha: Tian Xing (天刑), Bai Hu (白虎), Zhu Que (朱雀)
- 28 Lunar Mansions: Star regions that rotate daily, each with different meanings
How to Use It
Basic steps for using the almanac:
- Identify your activity: What do you want to do? (wedding, moving, business opening, etc.)
- Find days where your activity is in Yi (宜): These are generally suitable days
- Avoid days where your activity is in Ji (忌): These are unsuitable
- Consider your personal factors: Some methods also check against your birth date
- Note special warnings: Break Days (破日) and Monthly Breaks (月破) are generally unfavorable
Remember
The same day can be Yi for some activities and Ji for others. Always check for your specific activity.
How It Shows Up in FateFolio
In FateFolio's date selection tool:
- Searchable almanac for any date range
- Filter by specific activities you want to perform
- Full display of day officers, deities, and lunar mansions
- Personal compatibility checking (optional)
- Modern interface for traditional wisdom
Common Misconceptions
Common misunderstandings about the almanac:
- Thinking one "good day" works for everything—different activities have different requirements
- Ignoring personal factors—some date selection methods consider your birth data
- Being overly superstitious—the almanac is a planning tool, not an absolute predictor
- Conflating different calendar systems—lunar calendar, solar terms, and Stems-Branches are related but distinct
Sources and Quotes
All quotes are linked to accessible sources. Classical text translations may vary by edition.
Quoted excerpts
「黄历者，记日之宜忌，辨吉凶之书也。」
Source： 《协纪辨方书》参考· 黄历的核心功能是记录每日宜忌，帮助人们趋吉避凶。
References
- 《协纪辨方书》参考 · Chinese Text Project
- Chinese Calendar (Britannica) · Encyclopædia Britannica
FAQ
Is the Chinese Almanac the same as the lunar calendar?
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They're related but not the same. The lunar calendar tracks moon phases for traditional holidays. The almanac incorporates the lunar calendar but adds much more: Stems and Branches, solar terms, day officers, deities, and activity guidance. Think of the almanac as a comprehensive planning system that includes the lunar calendar as one component.
Do I have to follow the almanac for everything?
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The almanac is a traditional tool for planning important events—it's not meant to govern every daily decision. Most people use it for significant occasions like weddings, moving homes, business openings, or major contracts. For everyday activities, strict almanac consultation isn't expected.
What if a day is both Yi and Ji for my activity?
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This shouldn't happen for the same specific activity. However, different sources or calculation methods may sometimes differ. If you encounter conflicting information, consider consulting multiple sources or choosing a day with clear Yi status for your activity. The overall pattern of deities and day officers can help resolve ambiguity.