Question

Как наши далёкие предки определяли начало месяца?

Answer 1

Они определяли по фазам Луны.

Answer 2

How did our distant ancestors determine the beginning of the month?

Determining the beginning of the month in ancient times was often based on various astronomical observations and natural phenomena. While the specific methods varied across different cultures and time periods, here are some common ways our distant ancestors determined the start of the month:

1. Lunar Observations: Many ancient cultures used the lunar cycle as a basis for determining the beginning of the month. They observed the phases of the moon to track the passage of time. The new moon marked the start of a new month, while the full moon marked the middle of the month. This lunar calendar system is still used in some cultures today.

2. Solar Observations: Some ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians and the Mayans, used solar observations to determine the beginning of the month. They tracked the movement of the sun and observed solstices and equinoxes to mark the start of a new month.

3. Seasonal Changes: In agricultural societies, the beginning of the month was often determined by seasonal changes. For example, the start of the month could be linked to the first appearance of a specific plant or the migration of certain animals. These natural phenomena served as indicators of the changing seasons.

4. Observation of Celestial Events: Our ancestors also paid attention to celestial events like meteor showers, comets, and eclipses. These rare occurrences were often associated with significant events and were used to mark the beginning of a new month.

It's important to note that the methods for determining the beginning of the month varied greatly across different cultures and time periods. The examples mentioned above are just a few common practices.