Months in the Chinese Lunar Calendar: Alternative Names

Months in the Chinese Lunar Calendar: Alternative Names

The months of the lunar calendar are often simply referred to by number. However, each month also has an alternative name(s) by which it is sometimes called.

First month: “正月 (zhēnɡ yuè)” or “端月 (duān yuè)”

In ancient China, the month considered to be the first month of the lunar year varied according to the dynasty. Though each new dynasty wanted to change the tradition held by the last, the designated first month, no matter what month that happened to be, was always called “正月” (“正” means “to correct”). During the Qin Dynasty, it so happened that the pronunciation of the term “正月” was similar to the emperor’s name, “嬴政 (Yínɡ Zhènɡ).” As at that time it was considered very taboo to say the emperor’s name out loud, people avoided using this similar-sounding word by creating a new term, “端月 (“端” means “beginning”),” to refer to the first month.

Second month: “杏月 (xìnɡ yuè)”

Known for the coming of spring and with that, the blossoming of the apricot flower, this month has been dubbed “杏月” or “the month of the apricot.”

Third month: “桃月 (táo yuè)”

Known as “the month of the peach,” this month also gets its name from a flower, the peach blossom, which blooms in abundance during this time.

Fourth month: “槐月 (huái yuè)”

The character “槐” refers to the locust tree, a leguminous tree with pods that have a sweet, edible pulp. This tree’s white, sweet-smelling blossoms are a common sight during this time.

Fifth month: “蒲月 (pú yuè)”

The fifth day of this month is the Dragon Boat Festival, during which people put cattail leaves on the door of their home to drive away evil spirits. As a result, this month is sometimes referred to as “蒲月,” or “the month of the cattail.”

Sixth month: “荷月 (hé yuè)”

This month is also known as “荷月,” or “the month of the lotus.” Though during this time many flowers wither under the strong sunshine, the lotus is full of life, sending forth a delicate fragrance as it blooms.

Seventh month: “巧月 (qiǎo yuè)”

According to Chinese custom, on the seventh day of this “month of skillfulness” (“巧” means “skillful”), women will pray to the Weaving Maid to become more skillful themselves. (For more information on the Weaving Maid and the “double seventh,” see The Herd Boy, the Weaving Maid, and the Double Seventh)

Eighth month: “桂月 (ɡuì yuè)”

The Chinese have a saying: “八月桂花遍地开 (báyuè ɡuìhuā biàn dì kāi)” or “the osmanthus blooms all around in the eighth month.” The character “桂” refers to the sweet-scented osmanthus.

Ninth month: “菊月 (jú yuè)”

“菊” means “chrysanthemum.” Rarely seen during the rest of the year, chrysanthemums, with their full blossoms, are considered to be a symbol of this time of year.

Tenth month: “阴月 (yīn yuè)”

This name comes from the ancient concept of “阴 (yīn)” and “阳 (yáng).” As during this month most things begin to wither, it is associated with the characteristically negative and dark “阴.”

Eleventh month: “冬月 (dōnɡ yuè)”

“冬” means “winter,” therefore this month is simply referred to as “the month of the winter.”

Twelfth month: “腊月 (là yuè)”

According to an ancient book entitled Records of the Historian, the term “腊月” originated in the Qin Dynasty. However, there are different theories as to why this term is used. Some sources say that the character “腊” refers to a memorial ceremony that people hold in honor of certain gods during this month. Others say that “腊” refers to the plum blossom, which blooms during this period of time, despite the freezing weather.