Direct answer
The Chinese lunar calendar is lunisolar: months follow moon phases, while leap months keep the calendar aligned with the solar year. Festivals and deity birthdays often use lunar dates, so Gregorian dates shift each year.
Lunar versus Gregorian dates
A lunar date such as the 15th day of the 8th lunar month does not stay on the same Gregorian date each year. This is why Mid-Autumn Festival, many deity birthdays, and household prayer days move on the civil calendar.
Because the calendar is lunisolar, some years include a leap month. A leap 2nd month is not the same as the regular 2nd month, so invitations, offerings, and anniversary records should state leap-month status when relevant.
Common worship dates
Many households observe the 1st and 15th lunar days, Lunar New Year, Qing Ming by solar term, Zhong Yuan in the 7th lunar month, and deity birthdays according to temple calendars.
- Lunar New Year: 1st day of the 1st lunar month.
- First and fifteenth prayers: recurring household altar observances.
- Mid-Autumn: 15th day of the 8th lunar month.
How to convert dates responsibly
Use a converter for planning, then confirm important festival schedules with the temple, cemetery, clan association, or family elder because public events may be held before or after the exact date.
Caveats and respectful limits
- Leap months must be distinguished from regular lunar months.
- Some public observances move for weekends, crowd control, or venue restrictions.
- Do not assume every Chinese festival uses a lunar date; Qing Ming follows a solar term.
Practice links
FAQ
Common beginner questions
Why do Chinese festivals move each year?
Many are set by lunar month and day, while the Gregorian calendar is solar. The conversion changes each year.
What is a leap month?
A leap month is an extra lunar month inserted in some years to keep the lunar months aligned with seasons.
Can I use a lunar date converter for temple events?
Use it as a starting point, then check the temple's published schedule because public rites may be adjusted.