A Study of the Dating Method Showed by the Stele Epitaphs of Liao Dynasty

The dating method of Liao Dynasty was established on the basis of the calendar of the central plains. Owing to the shortage of historical data,the dating methods were usually found in words on metal and stone. However,there are many kinds of method and also errors since the authors of stele epitaphs are mainly lower intellectuals. The dating method of Liao Dynasty showed by the stele epitaphs consists of four parts,namely method to record year,month,day and hour. The method to record year is mainly according to reign title and heavenly stems and earthly branches,in addition,there are also twelve branches method,Taisui( 太岁) Star method and twelve Chinese zodiac signs method. The month can be recorded by four seasons,ordinal numbers,twelve earthly branches,heavenly stems and earthly branches,Lvlv( 律吕,tonality),proper noun etc. The method to record day can be divided into heavenly stems and earthly branches,Mingjia( 蓂荚),phase of the moon and five elements. The method to record hour includes terrestrial branch,special heavenly stems,heavenly stems and earthly branches. It's of great significance to explore the dating method showed by the stele epitaphs to comprehend the content of dating of Liao Dynasty