Taijitu (Traditional Chinese: 太極圖; Simplified Chinese: 太极图; Wade-Giles: T'ai Chi T'u; Rough English translation: “diagram of ultimate power”) is a term which refers to any of the Chinese symbols for the concept of yin and yang (Taiji), and is sometimes extended to similar geometric patterns used historically by various cultures. The most recognized form is composed of two semi-circular teardrop-shaped curves of different colors, or a circle separated by an S-shaped line, where each half is marked with a dot in a differing color. The two color choices are traditionally black and white.

Contents 1 Symbolism 2 Unicode Transformation Format Character Set 3 Gallery 4 References 5 See also 6 External links

[edit] Symbolism

The Taijitu or Taiji diagram is a well known symbol representing the principle of yin and yang, introduced in China by Ming period author Lai Zhide. The term taijitu (literally "diagram of the supreme ultimate") is commonly used to mean the simple 'divided circle' form, but may refer to any of several schematic diagrams representing these principles, such as the one at right.

In the taijitu, the circle itself represents a whole (see wuji), while the black and white areas within it represent interacting parts or manifestations of the whole. The white area represents yang elements, and is generally depicted as rising on the left, while the dark (yin) area is shown descending on the right (though other arrangements exist, most notably the version used on the flag of South Korea). The image is designed to give the appearance of movement. Each area also contains a small circle of a differing color at its fullest point (near the zenith and nadir of the figure) to indicate how each will transform into the other.

The Taijitu symbol is an important symbol in martial arts, particularly Tai Chi Chuan"^[1], and Jeet Kune Do. In this context, it is generally used to represent the interplay between hard and soft techniques.

Symbols of this type are also found as Celtic art forms and coat of arms for several Western Roman army units in Late Antiquity.^[2][3][4]

[edit] Unicode Transformation Format Character Set

Taijitu is defined in code point U+262F (☯). As an alternative, Unicode suggested it can be substituted by U+0FCA (࿊) (tibetan symbol nor bu nyis -khyil), the double body symbol.

[edit] Gallery

Shield pattern of the Western Roman infantry unit armigeri defensores seniores (ca. AD 430), showing a dynamic, clockwise Taijitu[2]	Shield pattern of the Western Roman army unit Mauri Osismiaci (ca. 430 AD), featuring a dynamic Taijitu with the dots in each part kept in the same shade of colour[2]	Shield pattern of the Roman infantry regiment Thebaei (ca. 430 AD). Its composition of concentric circles of opposite and alternating colors displays the essentials of the static version of the Taijitu by Zhou Dun-yi.[2]	Ancient form of the Taijitu, as used by Lai Zhide
Bat Quai Do: Taijitu with I Ching trigrams	Taijitu (Taegeuk in Korean) in the flag of South Korea

[edit] References

[edit] See also

• Taiji

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Taijitu

• The "Yin-Yang" among the Insignia of the Roman Empire?
• Where does the Chinese Yin Yang Symbol Come From?
• Chart of the Great Ultimate (Taiji tu) (from the Golden Elixir website)