Why Do Some Countries Use Lunar Calendars Instead of Solar Ones?

Some countries use lunar calendars because they follow the moon’s phases, like how you might watch your favorite cartoon and notice when it starts and ends.

Imagine you have a moon lamp in your room that gets brighter and then fades away, that's what happens with the moon. When it’s bright, we call it a full moon, and when it’s almost gone, we say it’s a new moon. People who use a lunar calendar count these changes to track time.

If you have a friend who visits every month, on the same day each time, that's like how some countries mark their months with the moon’s cycle. A lunar year has about 12 months, but it’s shorter than our solar calendar, which is based on the sun, just like your school year is based on the days you go to class.

Some cultures prefer a lunar calendar because they use it for holidays and festivals. It's kind of like how you might have a special day every time your favorite cartoon comes back, it’s easier to remember if it happens with the moon's help!

That’s why some countries still use lunar calendars, because they're following the moon, just like you might follow your favorite cartoon schedule!