Chinese Almanac Calendar

Query by Date
Definition: 理发(Haircut)

理发

In traditional Chinese culture, a haircut is not only a common personal care activity in daily life, but in certain circumstances, it is also closely related to the Chinese Almanac (Huangli). The Huangli, also known as the Imperial Calendar, is a traditional Chinese calendar passed down from ancient times. It organizes years, months, days, and hours using the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches (Gan Zhi), and contains a wealth of information regarding auspicious and inauspicious matters.

1. Haircut Auspices and Taboos in the Almanac

The Almanac usually marks various activities suitable or unsuitable for each day, including haircuts. This is because the ancients believed that a person's hair is closely related to their fortune. Choosing the right time for a haircut can bring good luck, while the opposite may invite bad luck. For example, if a certain day is marked "Avoid Shaving Head" or "Avoid Cutting Hair" in the Almanac, getting a haircut on this day is believed to bring negative impacts.

2. Haircut Customs on Specific Days

  • No Haircuts in the First Lunar Month: This is a widely circulated traditional custom in some parts of northern China. Legend has it that this custom originated in the Qing Dynasty and carried the meaning of "remembering the old" (Si Jiu), which meant longing for the Ming Dynasty. However, with the passage of time, this saying was gradually given new interpretations, such as avoiding a change of image at the beginning of the new year so as not to affect the year's fortune.
  • Dragon Raises its Head on the Second Day of the Second Month: Getting a haircut on the second day of the second lunar month is considered a symbol of auspiciousness. A haircut on this day implies "good luck shining on the head" (Hong Yun Dang Tou) in the new year, signifying a good start and development.
  • No Haircuts on Birthdays: In some places, people believe that getting a haircut on one's birthday will shorten one's lifespan, so they choose to avoid this special day.

3. Haircuts and Fortune from a Modern Perspective

From a scientific perspective, there is no direct evidence supporting whether a haircut affects a person's fortune. However, choosing to get a haircut on a specific day is more of a reflection of people's yearning for a better life and a positive attitude toward the future. For example, getting a new hairstyle at the beginning of the new year symbolizes welcoming the new year with a brand-new look, which in itself is a beautiful psychological suggestion.

4. How to Choose a Haircut Time According to the Almanac

If you wish to decide when to get a haircut based on the Almanac, you can refer to the following steps:

  • Consult the Almanac: First, find a reliable Almanac resource, which will detail the auspicious and inauspicious matters (Suit and Avoid) for each day.
  • Filter Dates: Based on your own needs (such as hoping to improve fortune, academic pursuits, job hunting, etc.), pick out those days marked as "Suit Haircut" or those without special taboos.
  • Consider Personal Circumstances: In addition to considering the Almanac's suggestions, you should also take your actual situation into account, such as whether you have enough time to manage a new hairstyle.

In conclusion, although more and more people in modern society no longer strictly follow the guidance of the Almanac to arrange their daily affairs, for those who still believe in and respect tradition, choosing a haircut time according to the Almanac is a great way to add fun and a sense of ceremony to life.

2026
2027
The Days Suitable for 理发 are 24 Days