Lunar Months & Festivals — Quick Reference Table
Each lunar month carries cultural weight, anchored by festivals and solar terms. This quick table helps you navigate birthdays, rituals, and seasonal timing.
Quick Lookup
Cultural Rhythm
Seasonal Flow
Why Lunar Months Matter
Lunar months don’t just track time — they anchor BaZi calculations, family rituals, and seasonal qi. Each month aligns with a solar term, ensuring harmony between moon cycles and the sun’s movement.
Quick Reference Table
| Lunar Month | Key Festivals | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Month | Spring Festival (CNY), Lantern Festival | New Year celebrations begin. |
| 2nd Month | None major | Seasonal transition, follows Li Chun. |
| 3rd Month | Qingming (solar term) | Tomb-sweeping, ancestor rituals. |
| 4th Month | Buddha’s Birthday (varies) | Observed in many regions. |
| 5th Month | Dragon Boat Festival | Health rituals, warding off illness. |
| 6th Month | None major | Mid-summer, focus on farming. |
| 7th Month | Ghost Festival | Honoring spirits, rituals for the departed. |
| 8th Month | Mid-Autumn Festival | Moon appreciation, harvest prayers. |
| 9th Month | Double Ninth Festival | Respect for elders, mountain climbing. |
| 10th Month | None major | Seasonal closing rituals. |
| 11th Month | None major | Preparation for winter. |
| 12th Month | Laba Festival, Kitchen God Festival | Closing year, rituals before CNY. |
Use This Table For
- Birthdays: Map Gregorian to lunar months with the converter.
- Festivals: Track cultural celebrations month by month.
- BaZi charts: Confirm month pillars with solar terms.
Explore Further
FAQs
Do all lunar months have festivals?
No, only some months carry major festivals, while others are transitional or ritual-focused.
Is Qingming in the 3rd lunar month?
Qingming is a solar term, but it usually falls within the 3rd lunar month.
Which month closes the year?
The 12th lunar month, with Laba and Kitchen God festivals before Chinese New Year.
