Five Elements
(The basic substances that constitute things)
The Five Elements refer to the five basic elements that constitute matter: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Ancient Chinese philosophers used the theory of the Five Elements to explain the formation of all things in the world and their interrelationships. It emphasizes a holistic concept aimed at describing the forms of movement and transformation of things. Yin-Yang is an ancient theory of opposites and unity, while the Five Elements represent a primitive general system theory.
-
Chinese Name: 五行
-
Foreign Name: Five Elements
-
Recorded in Classics: 「尚书·洪范」, 「黄帝内经」
-
Basic Elements: 木 (Wood), 火 (Fire), 土 (Earth), 金 (Metal), 水 (Water)
-
Theoretical System: The formation of all things and their interrelationships
-
Application Scope: Philosophy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Divination, Calendar, etc.
-
Recorded in the