Chinese Almanac Collection

The collection consists of representative examples of Chinese almanacs. Almanac topics include astronomy, astrology, predictions, divination systems, fortune-telling, palmistry, physiognomy face-reading, dream interpretations, folklores, geomancy, pregnancy chart, charms, herbal medicine, and moral teachings.

The collection, donated by Professor Robert Hegel in 2014, is in the East Asian Library special collection room.

The almanac is commonly called a “Farmer’s Calendar” because it contains essential information on seasons, weather, times of sowing and harvesting, etc. In Cantonese-speaking regions, it is also called “Tong Shu,” “Tong Sheng,” or “Tong Shun.”