Why is Tomb-Sweeping Day calculated according to the solar calendar? Was there a solar calendar in ancient times?

Tomb-Sweeping Day is not fixed on April 5th in the solar calendar, nor is it determined by the lunar calendar. It is calculated according to the annual vernal equinox.

The vernal equinox changes with the rotation of the earth. The earth's rotation in a day is not 24 hours, but 23 hours and 56 minutes, which will decrease by one day every four years, thus affecting the time of solar terms. The vernal equinox will have a solar term every 15 days, so Qingming is between April 4 and 6 in the solar calendar, mostly on the 5 th. For example, Tomb-Sweeping Day of 20 15 was on April 5th, Tomb-Sweeping Day of 20 16 was on April 4th, and Tomb-Sweeping Day of April 6th appeared in earlier years such as 1939, 1935.

Extended data

traditional custom

Liu She

Shooting willow is a game to practice archery. According to the records of the Ming Dynasty, pigeons were placed in gourds, then the gourds were hung high on willow trees, and the gourds and pigeons flew out with bows, and the victory or defeat was judged by the height of the flying pigeons.

gamecock

In ancient times, cockfighting competitions prevailed in Qingming, which began in Qingming and lasted until the summer solstice. The earliest record of cockfighting in China can be found in Zuo Zhuan. In the Tang dynasty, cockfighting became a common practice, not only among the people, but also the emperor. For example, Tang Xuanzong likes cockfighting best.

Canhuahui

"Silkworm Flower Festival" is a unique folk culture in Silkworm Township. During the past period in Tomb-Sweeping Day, this folk activity was held in Wu Tong, Wuzhen, Chongfu and Zhouquan. Among them, A?vagho?a Temple in Zhouquan and Double Temple in Qingshi are the most spectacular. A?vagho?a Temple, located in the west of Zhouquan Town, is known locally as "the king of temples". Every year, there are many activities, such as welcoming the silkworm god, rocking the clippers, making trouble in Taiwan Pavilion, worshiping incense benches, boxing, playing dragon lanterns, lifting poles and singing operas. Some of these activities are carried out on shore, and most of them are carried out on ships, which is very characteristic of water towns.

Resources Tomb-Sweeping Day _ Baidu Encyclopedia