“Widow Year” In China

What Is The “Widow Year” In China?

Blog By: Priyanka Rana

In Chinese culture, certain years are known as “Widow Years.” A Widow Year is a lunar year that does not contain the traditional solar term “Spring Commences” (Lichun), which marks the beginning of spring. The upcoming Year of the Dragon is considered a Widow Year because it lacks the Spring Commences solar term. Widow Years occur due to the misalignment between the lunar and solar calendars that make up the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar.

Different Types of Chinese Years

China has 12 different types of years listed below  including their corresponding zodiac signs and elements:

Chinese Year Type	Zodiac Sign	Element
Rat	Rat	Water
Ox	Ox	Earth
Tiger	Tiger	Wood
Rabbit	Rabbit	Wood
Dragon	Dragon	Earth
Snake	Snake	Fire
Horse	Horse	Fire
Goat (Sheep)	Goat (Sheep)	Earth
Monkey	Monkey	Metal
Rooster	Rooster	Metal
Dog	Dog	Earth
Pig	Pig	Water

These are the 12 zodiac signs in the Chinese lunar calendar, and they repeat in a cycle of 12 years. Additionally, each year is associated with one of the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, or Water, which also follow a cyclical pattern. The combination of the zodiac sign and element determines the unique characteristics and qualities associated with each year in Chinese astrology.

Origin of the Term ‘Widow Year’

The term “Widow Year” (gua fu nian in Chinese) originates from a misunderstanding of gua nian, meaning “the year lacking Spring Commences.” Spring Commences symbolized a blessed and lucky year in ancient Chinese culture, as it marked the coming of spring and renewal. The absence of Spring Commences was seen as inauspicious. Over time, gua nian transitioned into the term Widow Year.

Associations with Marriage

In Chinese superstition, Spring Commences represents masculine, yang energy. Therefore, a Widow Year without Spring Commences is considered a year lacking yang energy. This gave rise to the belief that women who marry in a Widow Year may face early widowhood or other misfortunes in marriage. The term Widow Year reinforces this belief. However, historical data shows Widow Years do not significantly impact marriage rates.

Other Superstitions

Beyond marriage, Chinese superstitions advise against many major activities during Widow Years. Building houses, starting businesses, erecting tombstones, and other big endeavors are often avoided in Widow Years due to beliefs about bad feng shui. However, these superstitions have lessened in modern times.

Marriage Customs Endure

While many Chinese no longer alter marriage plans due to Widow Year superstitions, traditions for ensuring a lucky marriage remain. Many couples still consult fortune tellers to select auspicious wedding dates. Symbolic decorations, rituals, and other Chinese wedding customs are still widely practiced.

 

Credit: GK Today