Widow Year in China: A Lunar Year Without Traditional Solar Term Spring Commences

Description

In Chinese culture, certain years are referred to as "widow Years." A Widow Year is a lunar year without the traditional solar word "Spring Commences" (Lichun), which denotes the start of spring. The next Year of the Dragon is classified as a Widow Year since it lacks the Spring Commences solar period. Widow Years arise owing to a misalignment of the lunar and solar calendars that comprise the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar.

Different Types Of Chinese Years

The Chinese lunar calendar has 12 zodiac signs, which repeat every 12 years. Furthermore, each year is related with one of the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, or water, all of which have a cyclical rhythm. In Chinese astrology, each year's distinctive characteristics and qualities are determined by the combination of the zodiac sign and element.

Origin Of The Term 'Widow Year'

The phrase "Widow Year" (gua fu nian in Chinese) is derived from a misinterpretation of gua nian, which means "the year without Spring Commences." Spring Commences represented a good and lucky year in ancient Chinese culture, as it signaled the arrival of spring and rejuvenation. The absence of Spring Commences was viewed negatively. Gua nian eventually became known as Widow Year.

Associations With Marriage

In Chinese superstition, Spring Commences denotes male, yang energy. As a result, a Widow Year without Spring Commencement is regarded a year deficient in yang vitality. This led to the assumption that women who married during a Widow Year are more likely to encounter early widowhood or other marital difficulties. The phrase "Widow Year" supports this idea. However, historical statistics demonstrate that widowhood does not have a substantial impact on marriage rates.

Other Superstitions

Beyond marriage, Chinese superstitions warn against many significant undertakings during the Widow Years. Building houses, founding businesses, erecting tombstones, and other such projects are sometimes avoided during the Widow Years due to ideas about negative feng shui. However, these superstitions have declined in modern times.

Marriage Customs Endure

While many Chinese no longer change their marriage plans owing to Widow Year beliefs, rituals for guaranteeing a lucky marriage continue. Many couples still consult fortune tellers to choose auspicious wedding dates. Symbolic decorations, rituals, and other Chinese wedding traditions are still extensively followed.

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