For instance, in a novel about feudal Japan, I see references to “the hour of the Monkey” or “the hour of the Owl.” Were the ancient Japanese using a 24 hour clock, 7 day weeks and 60 minute hours? If not, what system did they use?
Thnks.
Roger
Actually, the Chinese had pretty elaborate, building-sized water clocks that was astondingly accurate for its time. (Other common time-measuring devices included sand, the sun, candles, etc.)
The day was divided into twelve “times”. These were the twelve “heavenly signs”. The night hours from approximately 8 pm - 4 am were sort of the equivalent of watches. Every “watch”, the time-keeper would go through the town hitting a gong or wooden clapper thingies announcing stuff like: “It is now the N-th hour. Beware of fire. Lock your doors.”
Months followed the Lunar cycle. Addtionally, there were 24 “seasons” corresponding to agriculture. Every year, the government would publish the Farmer’s Almanac that gave the dates for those seasons, as well as any auspicious (or ill omen) days. “Good for today: Planting, travel, marriage. Bad: Funerals.”
For years, in addition to the heavenly signs, there were another 10 “earth signs” (used in modern day as grades). Together, they consisted of a 60-year cycle. Commonly, people only referred to the animal corrresponding to the heavenly sign, but specifically in calculating age, they used the 60-year cycle. This year is a something-Monkey, but I’m not sure which.
I always wondered about this. How did anyone sleep with some yahoo coming around every hour to shout the time?