Question 1

What is a lunar calendar?

Accepted Answer

A lunar calendar is a calendar based on the cycles of the Moon. One lunar month is approximately 29.5 days (the time from one new moon to the next). The Chinese lunisolar calendar and the Islamic lunar calendar are two of the most widely used systems worldwide.

Question 2

What is the difference between lunar and lunisolar calendars?

Accepted Answer

A purely lunar calendar (like the Islamic Hijri calendar) tracks only moon cycles and has years of about 354 days, causing months to drift through the solar seasons. A lunisolar calendar (like the Chinese calendar) adds a leap month periodically to stay roughly aligned with the solar year.

Question 3

How do I find the Chinese zodiac year for a given date?

Accepted Answer

The Chinese zodiac year cycles through 12 animals (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig) in a 12-year cycle. Enter a date in the converter to see the corresponding zodiac animal and the Chinese year name.

Question 4

Why do Chinese New Year and Islamic New Year fall on different dates each Gregorian year?

Accepted Answer

Chinese New Year is tied to the lunisolar calendar, typically falling between January 21 and February 20. Islamic New Year follows a purely lunar calendar, shifting about 11 days earlier each Gregorian year, cycling through all seasons over about 33 years.

Question 5

Can I convert any Gregorian date to its lunar equivalent?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Enter any Gregorian date (CE or BCE) and the tool will show the corresponding Chinese lunar date (year, month, day) and, if enabled, the Hijri (Islamic lunar) date. Conversion accuracy is highest for dates from the 19th century onward.

Lunar Calendar Converter

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