Chinese Art Symbols

As a Chinese decorative motif, the apple blossom is considered a symbol of feminine beauty.

In Chinese, the word for Apple and Peace are similarly pronounced as “Ping.”  The giving of the gift of apples, whether real or symbolic, is considered an offering of the idea of eternal peace and harmony and is comparable to the salutation “peace be with you”.

The fruit of the apricot is symbolic of the delicate grace and appeal of the female. The eyes of the Chinese beauties are often compared to the almond shaped seed within the fruit.

Apricot blossoms symbolize the wish for successful passing of examinations.

Sung Tzu-ching, President of the Board Works and a celebrated author once wrote "The scholar has reaped the reward that is due, And homeward returns on his wearying steed; When the blossoming apricots come into view, He urges his charger to bear him with speed."

In ancient China, archery was a very important requirement for hunting, warfare, and sport. Archer's rings have been found in China in tombs dating from 4000 years ago. One of the earliest archers ring found, which was made of jade, was in a tomb of the Yin Dynasty.

Traditionally the ring was worn on the thumb of the stronger arm to protect the archer’s finger when drawing back the string of the bow. It was a popular gift among nobles and is a symbol of an emperor’s power.

It was necessary to have a model of an axe handle to create another one as it is was necessary to have a go between to arrange a marriage. Thus, the axe is symbolic of the “marriage go-between.”

The axe is also associated as the foremost weapon of the Buddhist deities. It also pertains to Lu Ban, a famous Chinese mechanic, who lived in the State of Lu about 500BC and is now worshipped as the God of Carpenters.

The axe is also one of the Twelve Ornaments which
were embroidered on the robes of Heads of State
and were symbols of authority and power.

Bamboo is a symbol of longevity and durability. Growing abundantly throughout parts of China, bamboo has been revered throughout the ages for its resilience and intregrity. It endures harsh cold and wind, yet it always returns to its natural vertical position.

Its appearance may seem flimsy, but bamboo is strong and durable. Thus bamboo has become a symbol for longevity and is an example and symbol to us all that the way to a long happy like is to go with the flow endure the hardships and look forward to calm and easy days.

Those who advise on the practice of Feng Shui recommened placing a bamboo plant near the entrance of your home, so you and yours will will have a long life.

Jade Bangle Meaning: A jade bangle, or hololith, symbolizes protection and prosperity, traditionally worn as a continuous circle of strength and good fortune. Learn more about jade meaning on the Mason-Kay Jade blog: The Meaning of Jade

Learn more about jade bangles:
Jade Bangle Qualities (video)
Jade Bangle Sizing (video)
Jade Bangle Cleaning and Care (video)
The Ultimate Guide to Jade Bangles (video)
Is My Jade Bangle Real? (video)

Jade bat meaning: In Chinese culture, the bat is symbolic of longevity and happiness. In Chinese, the word for bat and happiness are similarly pronounced as ‘Fu.’

One of the most popular bat designs is the five bat motif; representing the five blessings wished upon self and others – old age, wealth, health, love of virtue and natural death.

The bat is used so very often as an art symbol that it can appear very plainly and simply or quite ornate and curved. Learn more about jade meaning on the Mason-Kay Jade blog: The Meaning of Jade

Other Bat Art Motifs

• Bats Upside Down - Blessings have arrived
• Pair of Bats - Double blessings
• Bats & Clouds - May you have good fortune
• Bats Descending From Sky - Blessings descending from heaven
• Red Bats Flying in Sky - May your blessings be as vast as the sky
• Bat & Gourds - May you have both blessings and wealth
• Bats & Peaches - May you possess both blessings and longevity
• Bats & Mushroom - Wishing blessings of longevity

Learn more:
Meaning of the Bat Symbol in Jade (video)

Bees were mostly kept by monks that utilized the honey and wax for foods and candles. The Chinese bee is depicted with a gentle character. In China the word for bee and wasp are the same and is a symbol of industriousness and prudence.  A depiction of a group of bee means a well orchestrated industry. 

When given as a gift, in a work of art, it can be a gesture of encouragement to rise higher in one’s field of work or study.

Throughout history, bells have played an important role in many cultural arenas; namely religious and military. In china formal bells were often commissioned by the emperor for use in assembling the people to receive the emperor's 'imperial will'.

There were four types of tongued bells that were used for military purposes. Therefore the bell became a symbol of reverence and respect

Wind-bells, which were hung on the eaves of tmeples, were said to disperse evil spirits when the bells would ring.

The pig/boar is a popular symbol of wealth and prosperity, especially for businesses. The wild boar s symbolic of the wealth of the forest.

It is also the last animal in the Chinese Zodiac. Those born under this sign are honest and straightforward. They are chivalrous and intelligent. They are most compatible
with the rabbit, ram and horse, and should avoid the snake, monkey and boar.

A jade carving of a pig would make a wonderful gift for someone born in the year of the pig.

Learn more about Chinese zodiac symbols here.

There is a peticular type of inedible citron that resembles the classic position of Buddha's hand with the index and little finger pointing upward. The Chinese call this fruit the “Buddha’s hand.” This unusual, inedible fruit is extremely fragrant and often used for ceremonial offerings and scenting rooms.  They are placed in porcelain bowls

It is also symbol for wealth as it gives the impression of a hand grasping for money.

A Buddha’s hand in combination with a peach and pomegranate form a motif known as the “Three Abundances” – blessings of long life and many children.

The famous Taoist philosopher Chuang Tzu once dreamt that he was transformed into a butterfly and found great delight flying from flower to flower sipping on divine nectar. Hence the butterfly became an emblem of joy.

The same philosopher tells of a story where he was playfully chasing after a butterfly and finds himself wandering into a private garden. In the garden is a beautiful woman. He is so taken by her beauty that he is determined the work hard and try to make her his wife.

The butterfly is a symbol of love, especially young love. Butterflies symbolize the undying tie between lovers making it a wonderful wedding or anniversary gift.

The cat is a symbol of wishes of longevity. In Chinese, the word ‘cat’ is the same as the word for an eighty year old man. 

In a jade carving, a cat will often appear with a butterfly which makes an appropriate gift in wishing for long life and the double cat carving signifies marital bliss.

An important flower in China, the chrysanthemum represents autumn and is the flower of the ninth moon.

It also symbolizes joviality because of the pleasure and healing that this plant offers. Out of the innumerable varieties of these flowers one can cultivate tonics, sedatives, cosmetics, and tea.

It is the large variety of katydid that is mostly known; the male sings what is assumed to be a perpetual love song. Cicada is the emblem of immortality and resurrection, it is also a symbol of happiness and eternal youth as it lives for 17 years, longer than any other insect.

The Po Ku T’u—compilation of symbols and ornaments—says “the tiny creature though it be, it may nevertheless serve to illustrate great ideas, signifying as it does the restraint of cupidity and vice.”

In ancient China, the cicada was placed in the mouths of the deceased as a jade funerary ornament, symbolizing purity, spiritual rebirth, and the soul's emergence into a new life after death. Because cicadas shed their exoskeletons and reappear each season, they became powerful emblems of resurrection, immortality, and the hope for renewal in the afterlife.

Jade coin meaning: The jade coin is a symbol of prosperity and wealth. Learn more about jade meaning on the Mason-Kay Jade blog: The Meaning of Jade

The crane is endowed with many mythical attributes; it is the most celebrated bird. It lives an unusually long life and is a symbol of longevity. A white crane was embroidered on court robes.  Symbolizing longevity the crane at 600 years of age may drink but it no longer eats declining the continuity of its life.

The crane manifests an unusual interest in human affairs; its figure with outspread wings was customary to be placed on the coffin of the deceased it being the conveyor of the soul to the Western Heaven.

Crickets are known for their combating spirit and courage. They are used in a game; caught and confronted with each other to fight though the game seldom ended tragically by a loss of life or limb.

Crickets are fun. They are the symbol of courage and the symbol of summer. 

The deer is the only animal that can find the sacred fungus of immortality and has therefore become the symbol of longevity. The horn of the deer holds an important place in Chinese Materia Medica; they are sorted as “old’ or “young.” The internal parts are made into pills and sold to heal rickets and other infantile diseases. Chinese people eat harts-horn in large quantities at a great expense to prolong their life.

Jade disc meaning: The jade pi, also called a jade donut, is a symbol as old as China itself. Believed to represent heaven or the sun, this symbol is shrouded in mystery and remains a popular motif in jade carving today. Learn more about jade discs here.

Learn more:

Pi Disc Meaning in Jewelry (video)

The dog is much valued for its fidelity.  Chinese people believe that if a strange dog follows one it means that it is a good omen and the person shall attain great wealth.

The oldest representation of dogs is engraved on a bronze vase in the Field Museum of Chinese Pottery. Carvings of dogs were made out ofjadewell before the Christian era.  The Emperor Ling Ti pampered his dogs more than the Western Culture does at present. Small Pekingese dogs were the favorite, but tinier the dogs the more they were favored.   “The dog is a creature that keeps watch…”

The dog is the eleventh animal in the Chinese zodiac. The person born during this time will possess the best traits in human nature.

Their main virtue being loyalty, the dog person will be there to aid friends and loved ones every time without fail. They possess great sensitivity and empathy for others, especially if there is an injustice that has occurred.  These people are honest, intelligent, and straightforward -not afraid to take on responsibility.  The year of the dog personality can sometimes be selfish and stubborn. When they are out of balance they tend to be fault finding with sharp words. 

Learn more about Chinese zodiac here.

Jade dragon meaning: The dragon is a symbol of power and strength. When paired with a phoenix, the two together symbolize yin and yang— with the dragon representing yang, the male energy, and the phoenix representing yin, the female energy.

Shop jade dragon carvings here, and check out our Mason-Kay Jade blog post about Jade Dragon Carvings: Symbols, Stories, and Meanings

Learn more about jade dragon carvings:
Jade Dragon Carvings (video)

Eagles and falcons are considered ying—the swooping gesture of the raptor—for their raptorial qualities of boldness, strength, and keen vision. The feathers of these birds believed to have medical benefits; they are believed to have the power to cure smallpox.

Falcon banners are still borne in Turkestan and live hawks—one other predatory bird—is carried as the emblem of authority.

A surface view of the eight trigrams reveals they are a symbol of Eastern philosophy.

Three unbroken lines stacked upon each other represent the Yang, male principle; broken lines are Yin, the female principle. Combination and variation of broken or unbroken lines represent the evolution of nature and its cyclic changes : 1,heaven, 2, water, 3, fire, 4, thunder, 5, wind,  6,moon,  7,mountain, and 8,earth; the interpretation of each blessings with the symbolic meaning for each sign, such as pleasure, flexibility, etc.

Within each trigram there is yin and yang thus the trigrams represent the 8 types of consciousness: Sense, Think, Feel, Will, Body, Soul, Spirit & Awareness.

A plaque of the 8 trigrams and the symbol of Yin-Yang the symbol of creation in its center shield the wearer from misfortune assuring prosperity. Such a plaque may be tacked upon the door for good fortune.

Buddha formulated his view of life into a twelve, linked, continuous chains called the “Wheel of Life,” also called “Becoming.” This chain is one of the insignias of some Buddhist deities. It is considered a symbol of longevity, true love, and "wheel" of life.

In Jade carvings and other Chinese art, the endless knot symbolizes infinity or eternity.  It is known as the lovers’ knot of eternal love.

Jade fish meaning: Fish symbolize wealth and abundance. The fish is a most beloved and preferred symbol in Chinese culture, especially in art.

The carp is admired for perseverance against the current of the water and according to legends letters of the alphabet have been found on its insides revealing an epistolary capability.

The sturgeon of the Yellow River may successfully transform into a dragon indicating its ability to pass academic examinations. 

Fish in general are a symbol of harmonious marriage and blessings of many children or great abundance in one’s life.

Freshwater fish are mainly used in Jade carvings such as the carp, catfish, freshwater perch, mandarin, and goldfish.

Learn more about jade fish carvings here.

Jade frog meaning:  In Chinese symbolism, frogs can symbolize transformation, fertility, and regeneration. The three legged toad is the symbol of good fortune in gambling or money-making. The three-legged frog symbolizes 'magic' for the 'unattainable'.

Jade fu dog meaning: Also called the “dog of fu,” “Chinese guardian lions,” and “lion dogs.” The fu dog is a mythical animal, similar to a lion, that represents protection. The fu dog is often depicted holding an orb that represents the world. Learn more about jade meaning on the Mason-Kay Jade blog: The Meaning of Jade

Jade gourd meaning: The gourd is the symbol of mystery, sorcery and magic. Learn more about jade gourd carvings here.

Jade Horse Meaning: The horse is the 7th animal in the Chinese zodiac and represents energy, independence, and freedom.

The horse has a long, rich history with mankind and has been the backbone for civil advancement.

The horse is revered for its speed and perseverance.

The eight steeds of the fifth dynasty are often used as an art symbol; with these eight steeds—each with a distinguishing name—King Mu was through the Empire driven by his charioteer.

The image of the King of Horses in clay though quite ugly in wayside shrines, it is worshipped by horse-breeders. The deity is supposed to be able to protect cattle from evil spirits.

The dragon is able to reduce to the size of the silk-worm or enlarge itself to fill the space between the heaven and earth. It can bury itself in the depths of the fountains and has magical powers of geomancy—drawing lines in the ground that can affect the outcome of events.

The Chinese truly believe in its existence; their history is inundated with legends about the dragon. The stories about dragons are quite elaborate and obscure; difficult to grasp by Western mentality.

Also symbolic of young dragons and playfulness.

This symbolic pattern has been a steadfast theme in Chinese art from the beginnings of archaic pictographs representing thunder and clouds. These continuous patterns create a mesmerizing prayer that connects the artist and viewer with the natural world.

The simplest ornament and one most frequently applied not only ancient but modern art is this meander or key pattern. Also known as the “thunder pattern” since the Chinese believes that it evolved from pictographs of clouds and thunder.

To an agricultural people like the Chinese of yore this emblem possessed a supreme importance. Rain was heaven-sent gift of abundance.

Known as “she who hears prayers,” also as “great mercy, great pity…salvation from misery, salvation from woe,” Kwan Yin is the Goddess of the Southern Sea and the Goddess of Mercy. She is associated with powers to restore eyesight and heal the sick. She is worshipped as the personification of compassion, healer of pain and suffering, and the inspiration of pure love and serenity.

Images of her can be found in temples, homes, and shrines. The image of Kuan Yin is a reminder of one’s true nature which is where love and compassion dwell freely.

Although her father condemned her to death, her presence put out the fires of hell and she returned to the living. There are thousands of incarnations of this divinity always dressed in white flowing robes. She rules over the divine supremacy of the forces of nature.

The leaf is one of the Eight Ordinary Symbols within the Eight Treasures of Buddhism.  Foliage abounds in many artistic works; the image of leaf represents the natural world and the joy and contentment that one can find within oneself while amongst nature.

There are eight trees whose leaves have medicinal attributes and might even channel immortality on those that eat them. The cassia-tree also grows on the moon; the man, Wu Tang, committed a sin and was banished to the moon by the gods; his task to hew the tree that healed upon the blows of the ax.

A leaf on a fillet is used as a decorative ornament on porcelain as an emblem of felicity.

Jade lingzhi / ruyi meaning: The mushroom or fungus is the symbol of longevity or immortality. A common motif in jade carvings, the mushroom is often carved in jade in combination with other jade symbols. The ruyi is a scepter that is often depicted in jade with a lingzhi on the handle.

Learn more about the jade lingzhi and jade ruyi here

and watch this video on your way down the rabbit hole.

The lion is the master of the feline species. In Buddhism the lion is the defender of law and protector of sacred buildings hence lion figures at the entrance of temples and official buildings.

However, the lion in Chinese tradition is not fierce and menacing. It is shown holding flowers and a ball alluding to a playful quality. 

Jade lotus meaning: The lotus flower in jade is a symbol of purity and rebirth. Learn more about jade meaning on the Mason-Kay Jade blog: The Meaning of Jade

It is referred to as the “sacred lotus” and parts of the lotus are cooked and eaten, others are made into medicine. The lotus grows out of mud yet it remains pure and so the Buddha is born into this world yet remains above it.

The pattern of its flower-petals resembles spokes of the wheel signifying the perpetual cycle of existence. The Buddha is seen sitting on a lotus. It is an emblem of summer and fruitfulness, purity and enlightenment.

Many variations of the lotus can be found in jade carvings; some emphasizing the blossom while other emphasize the seeds. The lotus blossom represents the blooming of ones spiritual journey and achievements. Jade carvings emphasizing the seeds symbolize ones potential in life or that of reproductive abundance.

Often, Buddhist deities are carved either sitting upon, under or holding the lotus flower. This symbol often found in combination with many other symbols.

The moon represents the essence of the female or yin qualities in nature. (The sun embodies the masculine.) This luminary is often depicted in Chinese paintings as grayish-pink disk among the clouds with curling waves underneath and its influence on the ocean tide is well known. The Chinese calendar is still in use side by side with the Gregorian calendar.

The Chinese also associate the roundness of the moon with the cohesion of the family. The moon festival celebrates the importance of family which takes place on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month. Families gather together to enjoy one another’s company as well as round foods such as moon cakes, pomelos, and persimmons.

There are many legends about the moon such as the one with the unlucky Heavenly Dog Star that swallows the moon at the time of the eclipse; the people create a lot of noise to scare the evil spirit away.

Jade monkey meaning: A symbol of playfulness and trickery, the monkey is supposed to be able to bestow health, protection against malicious sprits, and bring success. Those born during the year of the monkey are the most versatile out of any sign in the zodiac. Learn more about jade meaning on the Mason-Kay Jade blog: The Meaning of Jade

Though the monkey may be worshipped to some extent, generally the monkey is regarded as the emblem of ugliness and trickery. The monkey is believed to have the general control of hobgoblins, witches, and elves.

Also, it is supposed to be able to bestow health, protection against malicious sprits, and bring success.

The monkey is the ninth animal in the Chinese zodiac. Those born during the year of the monkey are the most versatile out of any sign in the zodiac.

Curious and clever, they are able to master any subject they study. These quick witted individuals crave fun and stimulating activity. Honest in their dealings, they are very good at problem solving though easily hurt when others don’t understand their type of playfulness. With their serene self confidence they need to be aware of their tendency to look down upon others.

Known as the Fairy Fruit the peach might have originated in China. Peach has a prominent place in the realm of the prolific culture of Chinese superstitions. It is the emblem of marriage; symbol of immortality and springtime. The myth says that the peach-tree of the gods blossomed once in three thousand years and the fruit ripened for another three thousand years.

The fruit has magical medicinal powers and its stones/seeds are made into amulets for the protection of children. The God of Longevity is seen seated on a peach and its juice or “peach charm” is sprayed on the door to prevent evil from entering.

The most felicitous time to marry is in the springtime in the month when the peach-tree blossoms.

The pearl is the emblem of genius in obscurity or incognito. Also, it is compared to feminine beauty and purity.

Artificial or cultured pearls from China are considered to be of great value comparable to the ones grown in oysters or mussels. According to ancient fabulists or tellers of fables the “night-shining-pearl” is the absolute essence of the moon. In ancient times the pearl-shell was used as money.

In Buddhist as well as Taoist sects, it represents the discovery of wholeness and wisdom within oneself.

Images of the phoenix have appeared for over 3000 years and are considered the ' the Empress of all birds'. It is described “as resembling a wild swan d a unicorn aft, it has the throat of a swallow, the bill of a fowl, the neck of a snake, the tail of a fish, and so on. . This gentle and benevolent creature is said to only appear in times of peace and prosperity.

The phoenix symbolizes high virtue, power, and the sun or yang principle of brightness and activity. It is second among supernatural creatures along with the dragon, unicorn, and tortoise. The image of the phoenix adorns the empress of China’s crown and clothing.

The Phoenix is a mythological creature in Chinese art, whether painting or sculpture, and it is a metaphor in many a myths.

The Phoenix appears only in times of peace and prosperity; it presides over the southern quadrant of heavens and it is the symbol of sun or the yang principle of warmth and summer.

Jade ram meaning: The lamb represents filial respect; it kneels respectfully when taking its mother’s milk. The goat is also called the hill-sheep and it is a very popular animal in China.

However, the sheep is not as common as the goat and it is not revered. The wool is used but the mutton is not a very popular meal.  

The Chinese sign-symbol of a sheep is like a conventional picture of a ram with horns, feet and tail. There is a great deal of similarity between the sheep and the goat. Both represent abundance carrying stalks of grain in their mouth presenting them to the people: “May famine and death never visit your markets.” Learn more about jade meaning on the Mason-Kay Jade blog: The Meaning of Jade

The domestic sheep is the broad-tailed species and is not so common as the goat. The wild sheep looks more like a ram or a deer than a sheep.

During the mid 17th century the Qing Dynasty forbade the smoking of tobacco, but the use of powdered tobacco (snuff) was acceptable because it was thought to hold medicinal qualities. Considered an effective remedy for many ailments, snuff was dispensed in a bottle as were most other medicines.

In the beginning, the popularity of snuff and the acquisition of the beautifully ornate bottles were left to the elite but over time all classes of society enjoyed the use of snuff and the collection of bottles that one could afford. The quality material and artistic craftsmanship of snuff bottles was a show of social standing.

There was a high demand for snuff bottles well into the 19th century but the fashion fell with the Dynasty after the revolution and the establishment of the Republic in 1912. There are a growing number of collectors of these mini works of art.

Jade Shou Meaning: Shòu (壽) is the Chinese character for longevity. 

In traditional Chinese thought, three of the most cherished blessings in life are happiness (fú 福), prosperity or professional success (lù 祿), and longevity (shòu 壽). These blessings are often symbolized by the "Three Star Gods"—Fú, Lù, and Shòu—depicted as iconic male figures embodying these ideals.

In Chinese symbolism, the interplay of dark and light reflects the concept of yin and yang, representing balance, duality, and harmony in nature. These earrings, featuring ice jade's translucent clarity and black jade's rich depth, embody this timeless philosophy, creating a meaningful accessory that celebrates unity and contrast.

Jade snake meaning: Snake is the 6th sign in the Chinese zodiac. In jade carving, the snake symbolizes wisdom, transformation, and supernatural power, revered for its connection to the benevolent dragon while also serving as a protective and mystical emblem in jade jewelry crafted from jadeite jade. Learn more about jade meaning on the Mason-Kay Jade blog: The Meaning of Jade

The long-tailed birds such as the stork and pine, peacock, duck, quail or partridge, fowl and pheasant, etc. are the emblems of longevity.

The Buddha states that the fully emancipated knows no restraints or obstructions and it is considered great merit to release living creatures such as birds. The nature of fish and bird is considered interchangeable by the unfettered liberty of its environment. 

From ancient folklore the symbol of the stork is a blessed bird that carries the soul of a fallen soldier to heaven. It is also the symbol of a messenger of God.

Tael is used as a weight of measurement most commonly with fine metals. An image in many jade carvings is of a gold tael block symbolizing wealth and abundance.

To Chinese people the tiger is deemed to be the king of all wild beasts. It is the emblem of magisterial dignity and sternness; model of courage and fierceness, danger and terror. Families use the image of the tiger to protect themselves and their home throughout the year. Tiger claw charms made out of Jade are worn by children for protection.

In ancient times its head was painted on shields of soldiers and on covers of port holes of forts. Tigers were embroidered on court robes as the insignia of grades of military officers. Chinese soldiers dressed in imitation tiger skins with tails and all and shouted with the roar of the tiger. Its body parts are considered to have medicinal powers and its prowess could scare evil demons away.  |

The tiger is the third animal of the Chinese zodiac and people who fall into this zodiac have a magnetic charm with a prestigious air about them. These people have opposing extreme qualities that make them very attractive to others.  They are passionate and playful, as well as jealous and possessive. They are sensitive deep thinkers with great capacity for sympathy yet they are extremely short tempered and indecisive. Their bravery and courage welcomes the unpredictable to cross their path. Tiger people have a great sense of humor and are truly optimistic about life.

Learn more about Chinese zodiac here.

The tortoise is a symbol of the universe as well as longevity and steadfastness.  The divine tortoise has a snake’s head and dragon’s neck. Divers tell of tales of the longevity of the tortoise; “when a tortoise has lived 300 years it is no bigger than a coin; when 3000 years old it is a foot two inches long, its color is blue with green rims. The shell of the tortoise has great strength; a Hindu legend depicts a tortoise supporting an elephant on its back.

The tortoise is thought to hold the secrets of the universe; its shell the dome of the sky and its flat underside the earth.

There is a lore that tells of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing that it was originally supported by live tortoises with the belief that the animals lived a thousand years without food and air and have the gift of preserving wood from decay.

The Yin and Yang are the negative and positive principles of universal life; the Chinese principal of cosmic duality. Pictorially represented by the symbol of an egg showing yolk and white or a circle divided in black and white.  The two distinct colors, dark and light, illustrate the two principles.

Yang signifies Heaven, Sun, light, Vigor, Male, and the Monad. Yin, on the other hand, symbolizes Earth, Moon, Darkness, Quiescence, Female, and Duad. Valleys and streams possess the Yin quality. The Yin and Yang together constitute the eternal reason or principle of heaven and earth, the origin of all things human and divine.