Or pairs of equal opposites that attract and complement each other. The philosophical principle of Yin and Yang evolved into the idea that all things in the universe exist as inseparable and contradictory opposites. This is the fundamental basis that leads the ying-yang to symbolize the balance of light vs. Yin became known to represent the summer solstice and symbolizes the dominance of darkness over daylight, While Yang represented the winter solstice and symbolizes the dominance of daylight over darkness.īy the time of the Han Dynasty ( around 200 BC) the yin-yang became fundamental in traditional Chinese teachings and began to transform from a physical representation of the balance between light and dark, to a metaphysical representation of ch’i ( the balance of good energy vs. Robin describes these ancient characters on the bone carvings as being used for tracking the sun in relation to its height in the sky, and the size of the shadow it would cast over the nearby mountains.Įventually by 600 BC, Yin and Yang were taught in more of a symbolic manner. Wang, an author, professor of philosophy, and Director of Asian Studies at Loyola Marymount University…the earliest Chinese characters for yin and yang are found inscribed on animal bones dating as far back as 1,300 BC ( over 3,000 years ago).ĭr. Historians do agree that the ying-yang teachings go back to at least 600 B.C. Like many other ancient symbols, the earliest origin of the yin-yang symbol is not 100% certain. The Origin Story: Where Does the Yin-Yang Symbol Come from? Most people think of the Yin-Yang sign as an iconic and instantly recognizable symbol representing balance and harmony in the universe (or, something like that).īut what does the yin-yang symbol really mean? Where did the symbol come from, how is the yin-yang connected to yoga, and how can understanding all of this benefit you?
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