The Chinese almanac: daily auspicious activities and choosing dates

What does the Farmer's Almanac show? A single page actually contains multiple layers of information

The Farmer's Almanac includes both dates and traditional date selection information. According to the Ministry of Education Dictionary, it is a folk calendar used to determine auspicious days and seasonal festivals; the Taiwan Folklore and Cultural Heritage Dictionary describes how reference books incorporate elements such as Heavenly Stems, Earthly Branches, and 'suitable and avoid' entries. When reading, first differentiate between information derived from the Gregorian and lunar calendars and that drawn from the specific reference book's folk interpretations—otherwise, you may mistakenly treat all columns on the same page as equally authoritative.

How to read daily 'suitable and avoid' entries? First, understand what each column answers

To confirm your lunar birthday, refer to the date alignment; for planning a wedding or moving, you also need to know the exact nature of the event and the specific rules used. The Central Weather Administration's calendar provides information on lunar dates and solar terms; for 'suitable and avoid' entries, you must consult the specific reference book used. If two sources provide conflicting advice, first compare the reference books or methods they use—do not combine them into a longer list of prohibitions.

Gregorian, lunar, and solar terms: understand the differences using one date

Using the Central Weather Administration's 2026 calendar as an example, the Gregorian date of February 17 corresponds to the first day of the lunar new year; the start of spring (Lichun) had already occurred at 04:02 on February 4, Taiwan time. These two represent the lunar date and solar term position, respectively, and cannot be used interchangeably. When checking 'today,' first confirm that the page uses the Taiwan date system.

Starting work, moving house, or getting married? First clarify the actual task you're doing

The same everyday term may refer to several different arrangements. 'Starting work' could mean a shop reopening or the start of construction; 'moving house' might involve transporting furniture first, followed by actual residence a few days later; 'marriage' may be divided into registration, ceremony, and reception. Before checking, list the actual events and cross-reference them with the terminology used in the reference book. Trying to fit all these into one auspicious day may actually make family, location, and work schedules more stressful.

When comparing candidate dates, include your personal living conditions too

Suppose you and your family pick two moving dates: one day aligns better with household habits but hasn't yet been cleaned up; the other day fits with the moving company, elevator booking, and handover. First, list these conditions together, then discuss what needs coordination. Date selection should reflect family wishes, but must also accommodate the actual executor. You may keep two or three candidate dates, rather than immediately accepting the first 'suitable' entry.

After reading the suitable and avoid entries, finalize a truly executable plan

Before finalizing a date, double-check that all key people, locations, and preparations are in place. Most importantly, know which data source you're using, what matters most to your family, and which arrangements can be adjusted. If you'd like to explore personal birth chart date selection, remember that it operates on a different level than general Farmer's Almanac checks. First, complete your current task: select a date that works, list what still needs clarification, and then make your final decision.

• Date and time zones have been verified—no confusion with last year's calendar.
• The queried event matches the actual task being performed.
• Key participants, locations, and service providers can all accommodate the date.
• Known preparations and essential conditions can be completed.
• If there are different habits, first discuss the most important one, then adjust the candidate dates accordingly.