{"id":35,"date":"2026-05-26T19:48:50","date_gmt":"2026-05-26T11:48:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thezodiaclore.com\/?page_id=35"},"modified":"2026-06-24T03:28:27","modified_gmt":"2026-06-23T19:28:27","slug":"sources-references","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thezodiaclore.com\/de\/sources-references\/","title":{"rendered":"Sources &#038; References"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>\n\/* The Zodiac Lore \u2014 Style B brand-unified *\/\n.tzl-page{\n  --bg:#fff;--ink:#0a0a0a;--soft:#3a3a3a;--grey:#5c5c5c;--muted:#9a9a9a;--line:#e6e6e6;\n  --accent:#e1391b;--accent-dark:#b02a12;\n  --sans:\"Archivo\",Arial,sans-serif;--mono:\"Spline Sans Mono\",ui-monospace,monospace;\n  --zh:\"Noto Sans SC\",\"PingFang SC\",\"Microsoft YaHei\",sans-serif;\n  max-width:1040px;margin:0 auto;color:var(--ink);background:var(--bg);\n  font-family:var(--sans);font-size:17px;line-height:1.7;\n}\n.tzl-page *{box-sizing:border-box}\n.tzl-page a{color:var(--accent);text-decoration:none;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(225,57,27,.35)}\n.tzl-page a:hover{color:var(--ink);border-bottom-color:var(--ink)}\n.tzl-hero{position:relative;background:var(--bg);padding:40px 0 36px;margin:8px 0;overflow:hidden;border-top:2px solid var(--ink)}\n.tzl-kicker{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;margin:0 0 18px;font-family:var(--mono);font-size:12px;letter-spacing:.06em;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--accent);font-weight:500}\n.tzl-kicker:before{content:\"\";width:28px;height:2px;background:var(--accent)}\n.tzl-hero h2{font-family:var(--sans);font-weight:900;font-size:clamp(32px,5vw,52px);line-height:1.02;letter-spacing:-.03em;text-transform:uppercase;margin:0 0 18px}\n.tzl-hero h2 em{color:var(--accent);font-style:normal}\n.tzl-hero p{max-width:62ch;margin:0 0 14px;color:var(--grey);font-size:17px;line-height:1.6}\n.tzl-section{position:relative;padding:48px 0 0;margin:0 0 4px;border-top:2px solid var(--ink)}\n.tzl-section h2{font-family:var(--sans);font-weight:800;font-size:clamp(24px,3vw,36px);line-height:1.08;letter-spacing:-.02em;margin:0 0 18px}\n.tzl-section h3{font-weight:700;font-size:20px;line-height:1.25;margin:26px 0 10px;letter-spacing:-.01em}\n.tzl-section p{margin:0 0 18px;color:var(--soft)}\n.tzl-section ul,.tzl-section ol{margin:0 0 22px 22px;color:var(--soft)}\n.tzl-section li{margin:0 0 8px}\n.tzl-card-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,minmax(0,1fr));gap:14px;margin:26px 0 32px}\n.tzl-card-grid.two{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,minmax(0,1fr))}\n.tzl-card{background:var(--bg);border:1px solid var(--line);padding:22px 20px;min-height:130px;transition:border-color .15s}\n.tzl-card:hover{border-color:var(--accent)}\n.tzl-card .label{display:block;font-family:var(--mono);font-size:11px;letter-spacing:.06em;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--accent);font-weight:500;margin-bottom:8px}\n.tzl-card strong{display:block;font-size:20px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:-.01em;margin-bottom:8px;color:var(--ink)}\n.tzl-card p{font-size:14px;line-height:1.55;margin:0;color:var(--soft)}\n.tzl-note{background:#fafafa;border-left:3px solid var(--accent);padding:20px 24px;margin:24px 0 30px;color:var(--soft);font-size:16px;line-height:1.7}\n.tzl-table{width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:20px 0 32px;font-size:15px}\n.tzl-table th{font-family:var(--mono);font-size:11px;letter-spacing:.06em;text-transform:uppercase;padding:10px 14px;background:var(--ink);color:#fff;text-align:left;font-weight:500}\n.tzl-table td{padding:10px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid var(--line);color:var(--soft)}\n.tzl-table tr:hover td{background:#fafafa}\n.tzl-cta{border:2px solid var(--ink);padding:28px 30px;margin:40px 0;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:20px;flex-wrap:wrap}\n.tzl-cta p{margin:0;color:var(--soft);font-size:16px}\n.tzl-cta a.btn{background:var(--accent);color:#fff;font-weight:900;font-size:13px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.05em;padding:12px 22px;border:0;text-decoration:none;white-space:nowrap}\n.tzl-cta a.btn:hover{background:var(--accent-dark)}\n@media(max-width:680px){.tzl-card-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}.tzl-card-grid.two{grid-template-columns:1fr}.tzl-cta{flex-direction:column}}\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"tzl-page\">\n<div class=\"tzl-kicker\">Sources \u00b7 Mainland China references<\/div>\n<div class=\"tzl-intro-card\">\n<p><strong>The Zodiac Lore gives priority to mainland China reference materials when explaining the Chinese lunar calendar, Spring Festival boundary, zodiac year cycle, and traditional zodiac culture.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This page explains the mainland Chinese sources and reference approach we use when checking lunar-calendar rules, Chinese New Year boundaries, zodiac animals, five-element labels, and cultural explanations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<section id=\"how-we-use-sources\" class=\"tzl-section\">\n<h2>How we use <em>sources<\/em><\/h2>\n<p>Chinese zodiac content includes both calendar-based facts and cultural interpretation. We use sources differently depending on the type of information being published.<\/p>\n<p>For date-sensitive information, such as Chinese New Year boundaries and lunar-year ranges, we prefer mainland Chinese standards, calendar rules, astronomical references, and cross-checkable year listings. For cultural explanations, we use mainland cultural and heritage references and describe the content as traditional or symbolic rather than scientific fact.<\/p>\n<div class=\"tzl-rule-card\">\n<div class=\"mark\">\u6e90<\/div>\n<div>\n<h3>Our source rule<\/h3>\n<p>When a page depends on a date boundary, we try to verify the lunar-year range before using that year in a calculator, chart, or birth-year guide.<\/p>\n<p>When a page explains personality, luck, compatibility, or yearly outlooks, we label those sections as cultural interpretation or entertainment reference.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"mainland-reference-sources\" class=\"tzl-section\">\n<h2>Mainland China reference sources we consult<\/h2>\n<p>These are examples of mainland Chinese sources we may consult or cross-check when preparing Chinese zodiac and lunar-calendar content.<\/p>\n<div class=\"tzl-source-grid\">\n<div class=\"tzl-source-card\">\n<div class=\"tzl-source-label\">National standard<\/div>\n<p><strong>GB\/T 33661-2017 \u00b7 Calculation and Promulgation of the Chinese Calendar<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This national standard is the key reference for how the Chinese calendar is calculated and promulgated. We use it as the foundational mainland standard for lunar-calendar rules and terminology.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/openstd.samr.gov.cn\/bzgk\/std\/newGbInfo?hcno=E107EA4DE9725EDF819F33C60A44B296\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Visit source \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tzl-source-card\">\n<div class=\"tzl-source-label\">Standard information<\/div>\n<p><strong>National Public Service Platform for Standards Information<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This platform provides the official standard record for GB\/T 33661-2017, including its status, responsible department, and drafting organization.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/std.samr.gov.cn\/gb\/search\/gbDetailed?id=n4aXcLrEnvA%3D&amp;mode=p\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Visit source \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tzl-source-card\">\n<div class=\"tzl-source-label\">Astronomical calendar<\/div>\n<p><strong>Purple Mountain Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Purple Mountain Observatory provides educational explanations about calendar and almanac questions, including why Spring Festival dates vary within the Gregorian calendar.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pmo.cas.cn\/xwdt2019\/kpdt2019\/202203\/t20220317_6399980.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Visit source \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tzl-source-card\">\n<div class=\"tzl-source-label\">Public explanation<\/div>\n<p><strong>Guangming Daily \/ Guangming Online<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Guangming\u2019s report on the national standard explains that the standard clarified calendar arrangement rules, calculation models, and precision requirements for Chinese calendar compilation.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/news.gmw.cn\/2017-05\/23\/content_24559485.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Visit source \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tzl-source-card\">\n<div class=\"tzl-source-label\">Cultural heritage<\/div>\n<p><strong>China Intangible Cultural Heritage Network<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We consult mainland cultural heritage materials for explanations of Spring Festival, Chinese New Year practices, and the relationship between the traditional new year and zodiac symbol changes.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ihchina.cn\/luntan_details\/30797.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Visit source \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tzl-source-card\">\n<div class=\"tzl-source-label\">Cultural context<\/div>\n<p><strong>China Culture \/ Ministry-related cultural portal<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>China Culture materials help support broad English-language explanations of the Chinese zodiac cycle, zodiac animals, Spring Festival customs, and traditional cultural context.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/en.chinaculture.org\/a\/202301\/06\/WS63b7870ca31057c47eba80d1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Visit source \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"source-types\" class=\"tzl-section\">\n<h2>Types of information and how we source them<\/h2>\n<p>Not all parts of a zodiac page require the same kind of evidence. We separate calendar data, cycle labels, and interpretation so readers understand what kind of information they are reading.<\/p>\n<table class=\"tzl-policy-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Information type<\/th>\n<th>What we check<\/th>\n<th>Preferred source type<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Chinese New Year boundary<\/td>\n<td>The Gregorian date on which the lunar zodiac year begins.<\/td>\n<td>Mainland Chinese calendar standards, almanac explanations, and cross-checkable Spring Festival date references.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Zodiac animal<\/td>\n<td>The animal associated with the lunar year after the correct boundary is applied.<\/td>\n<td>12-animal cycle references, zodiac year tables, and internally checked year pages.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Five-element type<\/td>\n<td>The element attached to the animal-year combination in the 60-year cycle.<\/td>\n<td>60-cycle year tables, element-animal charts, and internal consistency checks.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Compatibility groups<\/td>\n<td>Traditional relationship patterns such as Three Harmonies, Six Harmonies, and Six Conflicts.<\/td>\n<td>Traditional zodiac references and cross-page internal consistency.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Personality and luck meanings<\/td>\n<td>Symbolic descriptions, lucky colors, strengths, weaknesses, and cultural associations.<\/td>\n<td>Mainland Chinese cultural references, traditional symbolism, and clearly labeled interpretation.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"cross-checking\" class=\"tzl-section\">\n<h2>How we cross-check calendar data<\/h2>\n<p>For pages that depend on exact zodiac-year boundaries, we do not rely only on the Western calendar year. We check whether the birth date falls before or after Chinese New Year for that year.<\/p>\n<p>When preparing year pages, we aim to include the lunar-year start and end date wherever useful. This helps readers born in January or February understand why their zodiac sign may differ from a simple birth-year chart.<\/p>\n<p>If two references disagree, we review the affected year carefully before using it in a calculator, table, or page headline. We may also update related pages if a correction affects multiple parts of the site.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"interpretive-content\" class=\"tzl-section\">\n<h2>How we treat symbolic and interpretive content<\/h2>\n<p>Chinese zodiac personality descriptions, lucky colors, compatibility notes, and yearly outlooks are cultural interpretations. They may vary depending on region, tradition, author, or interpretive school.<\/p>\n<p>We do not present these sections as scientific claims or guaranteed predictions. Instead, we use wording such as \u201ctraditionally associated with,\u201d \u201coften described as,\u201d or \u201ccommonly considered.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Our goal is to explain the tradition clearly while giving readers enough context to understand that symbolic content is different from factual calendar data.<\/p>\n<div class=\"tzl-disclaimer\"><b>Important distinction:<\/b> a Chinese New Year date is a calendar fact that can be checked. A zodiac personality description is a cultural interpretation and should be read as symbolic reference, not scientific certainty.<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"internal-consistency\" class=\"tzl-section\">\n<h2>Internal consistency across the site<\/h2>\n<p>As The Zodiac Lore grows, the same zodiac information may appear in calculators, year pages, compatibility guides, element pages, and homepage cards. We try to keep these repeated facts consistent across the site.<\/p>\n<p>For example, if a page says that 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse beginning on February 17, 2026, then related calculator results, homepage cards, and year charts should match that same boundary and label.<\/p>\n<p>If we update a core date or label, we aim to review related pages so the site does not show conflicting information.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"reader-feedback\" class=\"tzl-section\">\n<h2>Reader feedback and source suggestions<\/h2>\n<p>Readers can contact us if they believe a page contains an incorrect date, zodiac sign, five-element label, broken link, or unclear explanation.<\/p>\n<p>When suggesting a correction, please include the page URL, the specific issue, and any mainland Chinese reference source you believe we should review. This helps us check the issue faster and update the correct page if needed.<\/p>\n<p>You can submit feedback through our <a href=\"\/de\/contact\/\">contact page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"faq\" class=\"tzl-section\">\n<h2>Sources and references FAQ<\/h2>\n<div class=\"tzl-faq\">\n<details>\n<summary>Why do you prefer mainland Chinese references?<\/summary>\n<p>Because the site explains Chinese zodiac and lunar-calendar traditions to English readers. Mainland Chinese standards and cultural references help keep the calendar rules and cultural explanations closer to the source tradition.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>What sources matter most for calculator accuracy?<\/summary>\n<p>Chinese New Year boundary dates and lunar-year ranges matter most. If those dates are wrong, January and February birthdays may be assigned to the wrong zodiac year.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>Are personality and compatibility meanings sourced the same way as calendar dates?<\/summary>\n<p>No. Calendar dates are factual and can be checked directly. Personality and compatibility meanings are traditional interpretations, so we present them as symbolic cultural reference.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>Can I suggest a better source?<\/summary>\n<p>Yes. You can contact us with the page URL, the suggested mainland Chinese source, and the specific information you think should be reviewed.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"tzl-section\">\n<h2>Related pages<\/h2>\n<p>These pages explain how we calculate, review, and correct information on The Zodiac Lore.<\/p>\n<div class=\"tzl-next-links\"><a href=\"\/de\/how-we-calculate\/\"><br \/>\nMethodology<br \/>\n<b>How we calculate zodiac signs<\/b><br \/>\n<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/de\/editorial-policy\/\"><br \/>\nStandards<br \/>\n<b>Redaktionelle Leitlinien<\/b><br \/>\n<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/de\/corrections-policy\/\"><br \/>\nAccuracy<br \/>\n<b>Corrections policy<\/b><br \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sources \u00b7 Mainland China references The Zodiac Lore gives priority to mainland China reference materials when explaining the Chinese lunar calendar, Spring Festival boundary, zodiac year cycle, and traditional zodiac culture. This page explains the mainland Chinese sources and reference approach we use when checking lunar-calendar rules, Chinese New Year boundaries, zodiac animals, five-element labels, &#8230; <a title=\"Sources &#038; References\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/thezodiaclore.com\/de\/sources-references\/\" aria-label=\"Mehr Informationen \u00fcber Sources &#038; References\">Weiterlesen &#8230;<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"rank_math_title":"Chinese Zodiac Sources &amp; References | The Zodiac Lore","rank_math_description":"See the mainland Chinese sources and reference approach The Zodiac Lore uses for Chinese zodiac dates, Lunar New Year boundaries, zodiac animals, five elements, and cultural interpretations.","rank_math_focus_keyword":"Chinese zodiac sources","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-35","page","type-page","status-publish"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thezodiaclore.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/35","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thezodiaclore.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thezodiaclore.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thezodiaclore.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thezodiaclore.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/thezodiaclore.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/35\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1993,"href":"https:\/\/thezodiaclore.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/35\/revisions\/1993"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thezodiaclore.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}