Traditional Culture Encyclopedia - The 24 Solar Terms - What does leap year mean?

What does leap year mean?

Leap year refers to a year with a length of 366 days in Gregorian calendar.

Explain in detail:

Compared with the ordinary year (365 days), it has an extra date, namely February 29th. The definition of leap year is to adjust the difference between the calendar and the period of revolution of the Earth, so as to ensure that we can accurately record and calculate the time.

Prescribed judgment:

1. A year divisible by 4 in the Gregorian calendar but not by 100 is a leap year. For example, 2004, 2008, 20 12 are leap years.

2. A year in which the Gregorian calendar year is divisible by 400 is also a leap year. For example,1600,2000 is a leap year.

3. Other years that do not conform to the above laws are called average years. For example, 1900 and 2 100 are normal years.

Detailed time:

By adding a leap day (February 29th) every four years, the error can be reduced and the season can be consistent with the calendar. In this way, there will be a leap year about every four years. In leap years, the number of days in February becomes 29, while the number of days in other months remains the same.

Impact of leap year:

1, balance season and calendar

By adding an extra date (February 29th) in a leap year, the calendar can remain relatively stable with the seasons. Without the adjustment of leap year, the differences between time and season will gradually accumulate, which will eventually lead to the disconnection between calendar and natural phenomena.

2. Solar Term Calculation and Astronomy

The existence of leap year is very important for the accurate calculation of lunar calendar, solar terms and astronomy. By considering leap years, we can more accurately determine the date of the lunar calendar, predict the time of solar terms and observe celestial bodies.

3. Ensure the accuracy of financial and legal affairs.

For financial and legal affairs, it is very important to measure the time accurately. The existence of leap year ensures that we can accurately calculate interest, pay taxes and handle contracts. If there is no leap year adjustment, the time error may lead to confusion in financial and legal affairs.

4. Affect people's birthdays and anniversaries.

Leap year is especially important for those who were born on February 29th or chose this day as the anniversary. The existence of leap years enables them to celebrate their real birthdays or anniversaries every four years.