Leap month意思

"Leap month" is a term used in lunar calendar systems, such as the Chinese calendar, to describe an additional month that is inserted into the calendar in order to keep the lunar calendar in alignment with the solar year. The solar year is approximately 365.24 days long, while the lunar month is about 29.5 days. Over time, without the insertion of an extra month, the lunar calendar would drift further and further away from the seasons of the year.

In the Chinese calendar, for example, leap months are added approximately every three years to keep the calendar in sync with the seasons. The leap month is usually the second month of the year and is called the "intercalary" or "ad additional" month. When a leap month occurs, it is said that the year has 13 months instead of the usual 12.

The decision to insert a leap month is based on complex astronomical calculations and is typically determined by the Chinese government well in advance. The presence of a leap month can affect the dates of traditional festivals and holidays in lunar calendar systems, as well as the age of individuals for astrological and cultural purposes.