Did you know that the lunar cycles are followed by the Chinese calendar? Notably, the Western calendar is based on the Earth’s rotation around the Sun, the Chinese lunar calendar is based on lunar phases. So, when the moon is full, it begins. The other unique fact is, every year is associated with a different Zodiac sign.
Because the Chinese Zodiac is based on the Lunar calendar, the month associated with each animal may vary considerably from year to year. There is also a year-by-year component. Every year, there are five components that rotate around. Wood, flame, ground, metals, and water are the elements.
Below is a list of the months of the year in Chinese, along with their pronunciation and origins:
| Months in Chinese | Pronunciation | In English |
|---|---|---|
| 一月 | yii yuee | January |
| 二月 | eeir yuey | February |
| 三月 | shann yueei | March |
| 四月 | shi yueei | April |
| 五月 | wvuu yueei | May |
| 六月 | liuh yueei | June |
| 七月 | qui yuee | July |
| 八月 | bah yueei | August |
| 九月 | jiuh yueei | September |
| 十月 | shii yueei | October |
| 十一月 | shiie yii | November |
| 十二月 | sheeir yueei | December |
Fun facts about Chinese months:
- January month resembles “Rat” and people believe that those who are born in January are “clever and adaptable” like rats.
- February month symbolizes “OX” or cow as strong
- March is also called the Peach Month in Chinese since peach trees bloom during that month
- Chinese people believe that those who are born in April are majestic and demanding
- The zodiac sign of May is Rabbit for sensitivity and charming
- June resembles original Chinese name id “Si” which represents “Snake”
- July month resembles “Ram (Goat or Sheep)” and people believe that those who are born in July are “Gentle and balanced” like sheep
- August resembles original Chinese name is “Shen” which represents “Monkeys”
- Zodiac sign of September month is Rooster for Proud and talkative
- October represents original Chinese name id “Xu” which represents “Dog”
- In ancient Chinese culture they believe November is the name of purity and honesty
- The zodiac animal sign of December month is “Pig” which dignifies Honest and diplomatic
In conclusion, many of Ancient China’s Chinese dynasties contributed to the emergence of the Chinese calendar. Because of them, today people are able to detect the months and days of Chinese. It is our utmost respect and gratitude to the Ancient ancestors.
Want more? Check out how to spell and pronounce days of the week in Chinese.
