Archaeologists in Henan Province, China, have discovered a cluster of ritual pits containing over 200 inscribed turtle shells and bovine scapulae, predating the famous Shang Dynasty oracle bones by several centuries. The inscriptions appear to record a sequence of 60-day cycles, providing a nascent look at the origins of the 'Jiazi' sexagenary cycle used in the traditional Chinese calendar. These artifacts were found within a massive communal plaza designed for large-scale winter feasts.
The discovery suggests that the roots of the Chinese New Year and its associated divination practices were established during the early Bronze Age as a way to predict the success of the coming agricultural year. By analyzing the burn patterns on the shells, experts have reconstructed a complex ritual involving communal fire and sacrificial wine, showcasing the sophistication of early Yellow River civilizations in their efforts to synchronize human activity with the celestial order.