Zhou Dynasty
By: Tiffany Oxenreider
Political History
Art
Cauldron of Yu
Cauldron of Ke Wine with Dragons
Wine Vessel with Lotus and Crane
Holidays
Lantern Festival: 15th day of the first lunar month
Qingming Festival: April 4th or 5th of the solar calendar
Dragon Boat Festival: 5th day of the 5th lunar month
Double Seventh Festival: 7th day of the 7th lunar month
Mid-autumn Festival: 15th day of the 8th lunar month
Chongyang Festival: 9th day of the 9th lunar month
Winter Solstice: Dec. 21st, 22nd, or 23rd in solar calendar
Laba Festival: 8th day of the 12th lunar month
Social change, inventions, and improvements
There were many improvements and inventions during this time. Some of those where silk, iron, copper coins, crossbow, acupuncture, chopsticks, improved irrigation system, and an improved calendar. Trade was important for the government at this time. They mainly traded amongst their own states. The people were chosen to work for the government by birth rather than talent. In many cases agriculture was directed by the government. The government stored surplus food and distributed them in times of bad harvest. The social class was based on the Confucian belief- emperors above all, scholars following at a close second, farmers before merchants, and merchants before slaves and women.