Calendar production, calendar printing, calendar design
Nov 13,2023
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China is believed to have developed its first calendar over 4,000 years ago. According to a page from an oracle bone calendar inscribed on oracle bones, the calendar system during the Shang Dynasty had already reached a remarkably sophisticated level. This particular oracle bone calendar is the oldest surviving physical example of a calendar in the entire history of humankind—and as such, it’s often referred to simply as "the calendar."
Tang poetry reads: "In the mountains, there’s no calendar; as winter ends, one loses track of the years." The "calendar" mentioned here may well be the earliest form of a desk calendar. During the Tang dynasty, historians would meticulously cut paper daily and bind it into volumes—each month receiving its own dedicated book. Each page was neatly labeled with the month and date, leaving ample blank space for close imperial attendants, often eunuchs, to record the emperor’s words and actions. This essential tool was known as the "calendar," and at the end of each month, it was first presented to the emperor for review before being archived by the historians—for future use in compiling the official "National History." Due to its practical function of documenting time and events, both civil and military officials eagerly adopted this innovative system themselves.
Early Development
According to historical records, as early as the first year of Yongzheng during Emperor Shunzong's reign in the Tang Dynasty—roughly 1,100 years ago—the imperial palace was already using calendars. Back then, these calendars were also known as "Huangli," or the Imperial Calendar. Not only did they meticulously record dates, but they also served as crucial materials for compiling the nation’s official history. The calendar at that time resembled a modern-day planner: it divided the entire year into 12 volumes, with each volume containing a number of pages corresponding to the specific number of days in that month. The months and dates were neatly written on every page. Once completed, the calendars were entrusted temporarily to eunuchs who attended to the emperor, who would then jot down the emperor’s daily activities and remarks on the blank spaces provided. At the end of each month, the eunuchs presented the completed calendars to the emperor for review and approval before passing them on to the court historians for archival purposes. The historians would carefully analyze and refine the calendar entries, weaving them together with significant events occurring across the court and various regions of the country. This process ultimately resulted in the creation of the nation’s official historical records.
In time, as calendars brought considerable convenience to daily life, they gradually made their way into the homes of many high-ranking officials in the court. After undergoing some adjustments, these families began creating their own personalized calendars. Later, as calendars became increasingly popular and tailored to everyday use, people started incorporating essential elements like the traditional Chinese zodiac-based monthly divisions, seasonal markers, and auspicious days aligned with the lunar calendar—along with ample blank spaces reserved for personal notes and reminders.
As for how the lunar calendar later evolved into various forms such as wall calendars and desk calendars, that development has occurred only within the past century. Desk calendar designs have ranged from their earliest, minimalist styles to a wide array of innovative variations—thanks in part to the surge in market economies and the widespread adoption and growth of the internet over recent years, which have fostered greater cultural exchange. Naturally, desk calendars have also benefited from this trend, with the most common evolution being a shift toward smaller, more refined designs.
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