Oriental Calendars.

China.—The Chinese civil year is lunar, and consists of 12 months of 29 and 30 days alternately. In every three years a thirteenth month is added to accommodate the variations of the solar and lunar years. But this is not entirely effected by such an arrangement, consequently the Chinese have a cycle of 60 years, in which period 22 intercalary months occur. The superstitions of that nation render the almanac of the utmost importance, as it contains a statement of "lucky and unlucky days," in a manner somewhat resembling the impudent impostures of the same kind sold in our own country. The year is divided into 24 periods, corresponding to the position of the sun at its entrance into, and at the middle of each sign of the Zodiac.

Japan.—As in China, the almanac is one of the most important works published in Japan. The year is divided into 12 months, corresponding to the 12 signs of the Zodiac. The months, however, vary in length, and the Mikado, or Religious Emperor, assigns the necessary intercalary days, and the months that have to be added to accommodate the variation of the solar and lunar years. The division of daily time is effected in a curious manner, a peculiar sacredness attaching to the number nine.

Hindu.—In this calendar the luni-solar year is employed for the regulation of festivals and domestic arrangements. The year commences at the instant of the conjunction of the sun and moon in the sidereal month Chaitra. The month consists of 30 Tithis or lunar days, and is divided into two equal parts of 15 Tithis each, corresponding with the increase and decrease of the moon in regard to its brightness; but in different parts of India variations of this method occur, to make up deficiencies, &c., that arise in the annual, or succesive annual calendar in regard to the intercalary days.

1873 January.