Exploring the Origin of the Tianli Calendar

This book addresses core issues of ancient Chinese politics, culture, ideology, and beliefs—issues that have received insufficient attention and present considerable scope for research. Drawing on research incorporating unearthed artifacts and handed-down texts, the author offers insightful answers to questions about ancient astronomical and calendar concepts, the evolution of the "Four Spirits" in traditional culture, and their relationship to the four seasons.
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The book, titled "Exploring the Origins of the Celestial Calendar," explores the origins of ancient Chinese astronomy and calendar. Combining archaeological findings with preserved texts, the author argues that ancient Chinese cultural phenomena such as the "Four Spirits" (Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermillion Bird, and Black Tortoise), the "Four Emperors," and the "Five Emperors" were primarily astronomical phenomena. He argues that the ancients' belief in "Taiyi" (Taiyi) was essentially a belief in heaven. He also offers insights into the four seasons, the intercalary year, the "solar calendar," and the "combined yin and yang calendar." He also notes that astronomical and calendrical knowledge, informed by figures like Zou Yan and Lü Buwei, became politically relevant. Their aligning of astronomical phenomena with political realities profoundly influenced political concepts and traditional thought from the Warring States period onward.

2024-12-01

生活·读书·新知三联书店

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