Yin Yang Meaning

The yin yang is a well-known Chinese philosophical symbol that represents the theory of two opposite things existing together. The yin yang is a Taoist symbol and is used predominantly by the practitioners of Taoism and is also known as Taiji symbol or Tai Chi symbol.

The symbolic representation of yin yang symbol is very unique with a circle divided into two symmetrical parts with a "S" shape. One part is filled with white color and other one is filled with black. Each of the part contains a drop or dot of the opposite color inside it. Yin yang symbol meaning is very interesting and it promotes the theory of balance in the Universe. Scroll down to know more on the yin yang meaning.

Meaning of Yin Yang Symbol

Though the exact origin of yin yang symbol is not known, it is believed that this symbol was invented during the Yin dynasty that existed in the years 1400 - 1100 BC. This symbol was also mentioned in one of the earliest literature works of Taoism, I Ching. It is said that the yin yang symbol was formed when the Chinese scholars were trying to find out the working of the Universe and the orientation of the Sun. They placed a pole perpendicular to the ground and observed the length of the pole shadows throughout the day. They did this project for one whole year and came up with a circular chart that represented lengths of the pole during various seasons. This circular chart was the first and basic form of the yin yang symbol, that is well-known today.

In the yin yang symbol, the black part is the yin, while the white portion represents yang. Both, yin and yang are symmetrical and they fit into each other like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. The basic meaning of yin yang is, opposites attract each other! And the symbol promotes the theory of unity and harmony achieved by two opposite elements. If you observe the symbol, then you can see that the shape of yin and yang are cyclic. With the gradual decrease in the width of the yin, the yang arises and vice versa. Thus, we can say that yin and yang, though opposite in nature are interdependent on each other for their existence. This phenomenon also states that nothing in this Universe is permanent and things transform from one form to the other to maintain the balance. The dot or the drop of opposite color in the yin yang, symbolizes interdependence and also shows the balance between the two forces.

The Chinese philosophy also states that these opposite parts came together to form the basic five elements, Earth, fire, metal, wood and water, that created the Universe. Thus every matter that exists in this Universe can be said to be originated by interaction of two opposite elements. One of the books that explains this yin yang symbol states that every aspect in this Universe has two different perspectives. And both these perspectives are interdependent and cannot exist completely alone. That means, the yin cannot exist alone without yang and vice versa.

Elements Represented by Yin and Yang

The yin part is said to represent dark, passive and feminine characteristics, while the yang is said to possess masculine characteristics. The table given below provides various meanings of yin yang that can be represented through this symbol.

Yin	Yang
Earth	Sky
Tiger	Dragon
Winter	Summer
Valleys	Mountains
Cold	Heat
Death	Life
Dark	Light
Matter	Spirit
Female	Male
Passive	Active
Down	Up
Water	Fire
Shade	Sunlight
Receptive	Creative

This was a summary of the meaning of the yin yang symbol. The yin yang is an excellent piece of philosophy that explains the working of the Universe within such a small symbol. It promotes the balance and harmony among different elements of the Universe and states that nothing in this Universe exists on its own.