• Monday, February 8, 2021
• 9:00 pm (HKT), 8:00am (EST)
• Q&A - ask questions here (Slido #0000208)

The Chinese almanac is not just a cultural legacy but, for millions of readers in parts of China and Chinatowns around the world, also a part of modern daily life. From weddings and courtship rituals to financial transactions and even travel, the almanac maintains its allure as a daily guide to a wide range social, professional and family activities.

Joanna C. Lee and Ken Smith, authors of the Pocket Chinese Almanac, discuss the almanac’s roots in the ancient imperial calendar and its modern developments in the 20th century, when Hong Kong became both the almanac’s publication center and its spiritual home. From its history in agrarian society to its place in modern urban life, readings derived from the local solar and lunar patterns of Hong Kong have helped shape the development of the Chinese diaspora and maintain significance in our increasingly interrelated world.

About the Authors

Joanna C. Lee is a recovering pianist with a doctorate in musicology from Columbia University. An active translator and interpreter, she has served such luminaries as former US President Jimmy Carter, film directors Luc Besson and Peter Greenaway, and Hong Kong action star Jackie Chan.

Ken Smith writes about Asian arts and culture for the Financial Times and other publications. He is the author of Fate! Luck! Chance! … the Making of The Bonesetter’s Daughter Opera. He eats Chinese fluently, in many different dialects.

S. Alice Mong, Executive Director, Asia Society Hong Kong Center (Moderator)