Chinese Customs and Traditions: The 60-Year Cycle

Flashcards covering key concepts related to the Chinese customs and traditions, specifically focusing on the 60-Year Cycle and its components.

This system has played a significant role in Chinese history, culture, and daily life. It names years, predicts fortunes, and influences agricultural practices. What am I?

what is the chinese 60-year cycle/ Sexagenary Cycle?

When does the 60-year cycle date back to?

The Shang Dynasty [c. 1600-1046BCE]

This is one component of the 60-year cycle; there are 10 of them representing fire elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water within their yin and yang form.

What are the Heavenly Stems?

This is one component of the 60-year cycle, representing the 12 animals from the Chinese zodiac [ rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, pig]

What are the Earthly Branches?

Is the 60-year cycle still important to Chinese society?

Yes, especially within Taiwan; however, the cycle is used by various Chinese communities from around the world

How is the solar calendar different from the lunar calendar?

Adding one extra day to February within the leap year.

How is the lunar calendar different from the solar calendar?

One extra month within the leap year

How are Chinese months described as?

Based on numbers.

How is January called in Chinese?

one-month

How is December called in Chinese?

Twelve-month

How is Monday called in Chinese?

week-one

How is Saturday called in Chinese?

week-six

How is Sunday called in Chinese

week-day

How is 11 described in Chinese?

ten-one

12 in Chinese?

ten-two

90 in Chinese

nine-ten

99 in Chinese

nine-ten-nine