The Origin of the Five Elements
The origin of the five elements can be traced back to ancient Chinese philosophy and cosmology. It is a system that describes the interrelationships and laws of change in the world. The concept of the five elements includes the five basic elements of metal, wood, water, fire and earth, which are considered to be the basis of the world and generate and restrain each other.
Ancient philosophical thinking: The origin of the five elements is closely related to ancient Chinese philosophical thinking. In ancient classics such as the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic) and the I Ching (Book of Changes), the five elements are used to explain the changes in nature and social phenomena. These classic works were written around the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period (770 BC–221 BC), but the concept of the five elements may have existed even earlier.
Observations of nature: The origins of the five elements are also related to ancient observations of nature. By observing natural phenomena such as seasonal changes, geographical forms, and the growth of plants and animals, the ancients discovered that there were five basic elements in nature: gold, wood, water, fire, and earth.
Yin and yang and the five elements: In the theory of yin and yang and the five elements, the five elements and yin and yang are combined. Yin and yang is the general law of change in everything in the universe, while the five elements are its concrete manifestations. This theory holds that the five elements not only represent material elements, but also the laws of motion and change in things.
Historical evolution: The concept of the five elements probably originated in primitive society, and gradually formed a complete theoretical system through long-term development and evolution. During the Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties, the five elements began to be used to explain astronomy, geography, medicine, divination and other fields.
Cultural heritage: The idea of the five elements had a profound influence on ancient Chinese culture, not only in the fields of philosophy and religion, but also in every aspect of daily life, architecture, medicine, feng shui, etc.
As for the specific time of origin of the five elements, it is difficult to give an exact point in time due to the lack of accurate documentation. However, it is certain that the five elements, as a philosophical idea, underwent a long historical process of formation and development, and finally reached maturity during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period.
