The philosophy teaches us to calmly embrace the dualities of life – taking the ups with the downs, good times with the bad, the joys with the difficulties and challenges. According to the philosophy the symbol represents, balance and harmony are necessary to lead a fulfilling life. So knowing all that, what does a yin and yang tattoo mean?īroadly speaking, it’s all about balance.
A pole was used to measure the changing lengths of shadows over the solar year.Īccording to some sources, the daily changes of a pole’s shadow are very closely approximated by the shape of the yin and yang sides.Īccording to this theory, yin (the dark side) begins at the summer solstice – marking a time when there is less daylight and more darkness.Ĭonversely, yang (the light side) begins at the winter solstice – when days are longer. It’s believed that the symbol originated in the ancient Chinese time-keeping system. Recommended Article: See some of the best palm tree tattoos around in our latest guide.Īsian martial arts, medicine, art and literature, politics, and beliefs all carry traces of the yin and yang philosophy. The idea of dualism represented by yin and yang has influenced countless philosophers and scholars, particularly those associated with Taoism and Confucianism. The origins of the duality concept and the symbol date as far back as the Yin dynasty, around 1400-1100 BCE. The fact that the line that separates them is curved, rather than straight, is understood to mean that there are no simple, absolute separations between two opposites.
The small dots of the opposing color on each side of the symbol represent the idea that both sides carry a piece of the other, further underlining the interdependence of opposing forces. Would light exist if there was no darkness? Would ‘good’ mean anything if there was no ‘evil’ to compare it with? Both sides of the circle are needed to make it whole. The yin and yang concept gives rise to further philosophical discussion, leading towards the conclusion that balance is the key principle upholding the universe and giving it meaning. Recommended Reading: Don’t miss our guide to the coolest daisy tattoos next! The symbol represents the concept of duality in Chinese philosophy.Īccording to this idea, seemingly opposing forces that appear to contradict each other might in fact be complementary and dependent on each other.ĭespite being opposites, forces such as night and day or light and dark continue to coexist. Additionally, both sides have small dots of the opposing side’s color.Īs we’re about to see, all of these nuances are there for a reason and serve their purpose in conveying the meaning behind the symbol. The black side is the yin, while the white side is the yang. Yin and yang takes the form of a circle with a light and dark side, split with a curved line.
The symbolīefore getting a yin and yang tattoo, it’s a good idea to become familiar with the origins and meaning of this ancient symbol. Originating in ancient China, the symbol is often seen but rarely fully understood.Īlongside the infinity symbol, yin and yang is one of the most popular choices of pure symbolism to be incorporated into tattoo designs.ĭeceptive in its simplicity and recognizable even after significant alteration of coloring and style, the yin and yang offers a surprising scope for creativity in tattoo art. The yin and yang is a symbol which has fascinated and intrigued humanity for hundreds of years.
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