Chinese Creation
The Creation of the Universe China
The philosophy of the Chinese people is illustrated by the principle of Yin and Yang, as illustrated by the previous slide.
You'll note that the symbol embodies two interlocking, complementary elements, each the opposite of the other inside a circle, symbolic of the primal unity that precedes the yin/yang separation.
The Creation of the Universe China
The Yin and Yang symbol represents cosmic duality.
Yin symbolizes femininity, the north, cold, shadow, the Earth, the passive, and dampness.
Yang symbolizes masculinity, the south, warmth, light, the heavens, the active, dryness, and the Emperor.
The Creation of the Universe China
The division of Yin and Yang into two complementary halves is represented by the bisecting of the circle with an S-curve: the yin half is dark and the yang half light.
From this polarity comes the set of five elements: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal ( as opposed to the Greek concept of four) and from them the "ten thousand things" of the world.
The Creation of the Universe China
The mutual dependence of yin and yang is expressed by a dark circular center in the yang sector and a white circular center in the yin.
This illustrates that light and shadow are not in conflict for domination of the whole; rather they seek completion in one another.
Odd numbers are associated with yang, and even numbers with yin.
The Creation of the Universe China
In ancient cave temples there were Yin and Yang stones. The former had to be kept moist, the latter dry. When rainfall was excessive, the yang stone (or in times of drought or heat the yin stone) was whipped to awaken its powers, to restore the proper harmonic balance between the two principles." --Hans Biederman Dictionary of Symbolism
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