My research paper is on the commonly seen, circular, black and white symbol divided symmetrically known as yin and yang. Many people think of the symbol as nothing more than another "peace" sign. In actuality, this symbol, yin and yang, reflects ancient Chinese philosophies that represent two conflicting, yet harmonizing energies that keep the world in balance when applied together. When either is used alone, imbalances are created.
I have chosen to research this topic due to little knowledge on the subject (just the basic understanding of the two opposites). Through my paper, I wish to inform you on this subject.
The history of Yin and Yang dates back to thousands of years ago. The first objects that it is known to be inscripted on were animal bones used in special Chinese ceremonies (oracle bones). It described how different objects, seasons, beings, colors, etc., were either more of a Yin or more of a Yang. In the first examples of Yin and Yang (unscripted on the oracle bones), it expressed how one side of the hill was Yin and one was Yang. The north side of the hill, representing Yin, due to the fact that it is facing away from the sun and is dark, and the south side of the hill represented Yang, because it would then be facing the sun. They also explained how Yin and Yang worked. Together, they balance the world and keep everything in harmony. This in turn, keeps the world peaceful. The circle, in which the "yin and yang shapes" are formed, represents "everything" in the world, balancing the two opposites.
Yin is quite different than yang. Yin is the dark/ black side of the circle. It is represented by objects such as the moon, night, water, North, lead, female, even numbers, death, and obviously, the color black. Yin is considered the darker energy. Yang is the white side of the circle. It, unlike yin, represents light, sun, south, male, odd numbers, day, and life.
There are different types of living habits that incorporate the belief of yin and yang to enhance balance which allows certain individuals to live a harmonious life. Feng Shui, macrobiotic diets, and some Chinese food preparation are some examples of how the use of the same concepts of yin and yang can help create a happier and more relaxing life.
Feng Shui enhances the balance and harmonious aspect of yin and yang. It began in the late 1700s and early 1800s. It is the use colors, furniture positioning, and items in your rooms to create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere for someone to live in (incorporating yin and yang guidelines). For example, it teaches that the bedroom should be more of a yin, a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere (the example of yin) consisting of colors considered "skin tones." These colors are relaxing. Some of these colors include: cocoa, tan, peach, coral, and cream. To ensure that you receive positive energy from these techniques, it suggests that you: keep your room clean, have little electronics present which you should keep away from where you sleep, that your bed positioning matches up with the feng shui chart (certain colors and objects in either the north, south, east, and west), and have as little mirrors as possible.
A macrobiotic diet, like the vegetarian diet, is once again, one that allows and excludes certain foods to keep balance and purity in the foods eaten. This diet is very strict, yet not considered vegetarian, (even though there are no meats or dairy allowed), because individuals using the macrobiotic diet will eat some seafood and fish. This diet completely eliminates foods such as oranges and other tropical fruits as well as spices because these foods would contribute too much of the yin energy at one time. The same goes for dairy and meat products because there is too much yang within these two food groups. Foods that are allowed in the macrobiotic diet include: whole grain products, fresh vegetables, legumes, and occasionally seafood and fish.
In Chinese cooking, they use the yin and yang principals to keep everything balanced. They use texture, color, and flavors. Some yin foods include: carrots, duck, cabbage, and tofu. Whereas yang foods include: beef, chicken, eggs, and wine. The foods must be cooked in a special way (i.e. poached, steamed, deep fried, etc.) with the opposite type of food (yin foods with yang cooking techniques and vise versa).
It is believed that when there are imbalances of yin and yang, at any given time, it can result personal disharmony ranging from mood swings to death. When there is no balance, people could be more prone to disease and illness, possibly resulting in death. Death may seem like a very drastic example, but in a rare occasion someone, who believes and follows the teachings of yin and yang, could recognize the imbalance and become paranoid to the point of death (or it could just be from illness). It would be all psychological, of course, but it could happen. It also can affect the environment ranging from drastic te
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