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What the Book Explores

Peter Noergaard’s The Seven Pillars of the Chinese Calendar offers a comprehensive examination of the traditional Chinese calendar system – not merely as a time-reckoning device, but as a deeply interwoven cosmological and cultural framework. The book details the complex interactions between astronomy, astrology, numerology, and ritual practice that underpin this calendar. Noergaard meticulously explains the seven “pillars,” which include the Heavenly Stems, Earthly Branches, the Five Elements, the zodiacal animals, and the complex sexagenary cycle, revealing how these components function both independently and in concert to define time and its perceived influence on human affairs.

Historical / Cultural Context

The Chinese calendar is one of the oldest continuously used calendar systems in the world, with roots stretching back thousands of years. Its development reflects a long history of sophisticated astronomical observation and a profound belief in the interconnectedness of the cosmos and human destiny. This calendar wasn’t simply used to track agricultural cycles; it was – and in some respects still is – integral to determining auspicious dates for ceremonies, marriages, funerals, and other significant life events. Noergaard’s work is particularly valuable because it situates the calendar within its historical and philosophical context, tracing its evolution through various dynasties and schools of thought. It’s a significant work as it explores a system that was, for centuries, the primary means by which Chinese society organized its understanding of the world and its place within it. It was published in 1982, a time of increased Western interest in traditional Chinese thought.

Who This Book Is For

This book is aimed at readers with a serious interest in Chinese culture, history, and cosmology. While Noergaard presents complex material, he does so with a clear and methodical approach, making the work accessible to those without a prior background in Chinese studies. It would be of particular interest to students and researchers in fields such as anthropology, history of science, astrology, and East Asian studies. It is also suitable for informed general readers seeking a deeper understanding of the philosophical underpinnings of Chinese tradition. The level of detail and the technical nature of the explanations, however, mean that it is not a casual read.

Further Reading

• Chinese Astronomy During the Han Dynasty by Christopher Cullen
• The Cambridge History of China, Vol. 3: Sui and T’ang China (various authors) – Contains chapters related to calendrical science and its social impact.
• A History of Chinese Philosophy by Fung Yu-lan – provides a broader philosophical context for understanding the cosmological assumptions underlying the calendar.

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