The traditional lunisolar calendar used in China designates years using a combination of celestial stems and terrestrial branches, resulting in a 60-year cycle. The year corresponding to 1959 in the Gregorian calendar is identified as the year of the Earth Pig ( – j hi) within this cycle. This system has been employed for centuries to track agricultural seasons, festivals, and auspicious dates for various events.
Understanding this traditional calendar system is crucial for interpreting historical and cultural events within a Chinese context. 1959 marked a significant period within modern Chinese history, falling within the timeframe of the Great Leap Forward. Agricultural practices, societal changes, and political decisions were often interwoven with the traditional calendar and its associated beliefs. Examining historical events through the lens of the lunisolar calendar offers valuable insights into the cultural context of the time.