Expert: Justin Choo - 11/4/2004

Question
Hello,
    I am trying to figure out when the beginning of a lunar year is.  For example, a holiday may fall on the 8th day of the 4th month of the lunar year, but I cannot find anything that states which month that specifically is.
    Also, is the lunar year the same for the different paths of Buddhism?  If not, I would like to know for Korean Zen Buddhism.
    One more question...is a lunar month from new moon to new moon, or full moon to full moon?
    Thank you so much for your time and consideration!
Sincerely,
Melissa

Answer
Hi Melissa,

Thank you for asking me.

Actually, your questions are more related to lunar year rather than Buddhism.  Nevertheless, I shall answer your questions.

I don't know where you are residing.  But if you are living in Malaysia or Singapore, you would not encounter this problem.  The calenders here have both the Gregorian year as well as the Chinese lunar year.  Example, 8th day of 4th month will be 26 May 2004.  The Chinese Lunar New Year Day for 2004 was 22 Jan 2004.  This year, being a lunar leap year, the next Chinese Lunar New Year will be 9 Feb 2005.

As far as I can undestand, a lunar year IS a lunar year, irrespective whether you are a Korean or a Japanese or a Chinese, because it is calculated according to the movements of the moon.  Also whether you are a Buddhist in whatever tradition, lunar year IS a lunar year; there shouldn't be any different.  Just like the Gregorian new year is 1st January; it applies to everyone irrespective of race or nationality or faith.

A lunar month begins with the new moon; which means a full moon is in the middle of a lunar month.

Hope I have answered your questions.  Please come back if you need further clarifications.

Smile from justinchoo :-)