The Traditional Chinese Calendar is a lunisolar calendar that combines both lunar and solar elements. It is based on the cycles of the moon and the position of the sun, resulting in months that can vary in length. Each month begins with the new moon, and the calendar typically has 12 months, with an extra month added every few years to align with the solar year. This calendar is significant for determining important cultural events, such as the Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival. It also features a system of Chinese zodiac signs, which assigns an animal to each year in a 12-year cycle, influencing cultural beliefs and practices.