That is to say, every solar year has 365.2422 days while a lunar year has only 354 days, yet a leap year lasts for 384 days. The Beginning of Spring is calculated as per solar calendar which is generally fixed. The way of calculating an animal year with solar terms is the most accurate, because the intersection of solar terms is adjusted timely according to the position of the earth. In the Years Designated by Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches, the sun is the object of reference and the alternation between Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches begins from the Beginning of Spring in every year. Both Chinese Zodiac and the concept of 12 two-hour periods of the day are derived from Years Designated by Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches, a system different with Chinese lunar calendar. Researchers point out that in ancient China, Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches were used to number days, months and years. For example, the "Eight Characters of Birth Time" shall be strictly calculated from the Beginning of Spring in the Four Pillars of Destiny. The current almanac used in folk China, and the traditional Four Pillars of Destiny and divination also calculate the animal year on the basis of the Beginning of Spring. This method can be traced back as early as in Shang and Zhou Dynasties. Different with the folklore experts, some astronomers believe the animal year should begin from the Beginning of Spring (the first solar term of the 24 solar terms which usually falls on February 4 or February 5 in Gregorian calendar).
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