In ancient geography, there was a theory of dividing yin and yang. In it, what does "yin" mean when describing mountains, rivers, and rivers? ( )

In the theory of dividing yin and yang in ancient geography, the "yin" used to describe mountains, rivers and rivers refers to the "direction to the north".

Extended information:

1. Yin-Yang division theory

The ancient Chinese theory of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements is a philosophical system of thought that embodies the concept of nature and the concept of the universe. In this system, yin and yang are divided according to the attributes of things, where "yang" represents externality, positivity, and abundance, while "yin" represents implicitness, negativity, and emptiness. In geography, this classification principle is also followed, and geographical things are classified according to yin and yang.

2. Specific application of the geographical concept of Yin and Yang

In ancient geography, the division of Yin and Yang is usually related to the four directions of southeast, northwest and northwest. Among them, "Yang" often means the direction towards the south, while "Yin" means the direction towards the north, that is, the air flow from the north. For example, "yin mountains" are mountains facing away from the sun. These mountains are usually tall and steep, with few trees growing on the tops. "Yin water" refers to the rivers, lakes and seas that flow to the north.

3. The "Yin" meaning of mountains, rivers and rivers

This is stipulated because in traditional Chinese Feng Shui, the north represents cold, barren and deserted. The south symbolizes warmth, fertility and prosperity. Therefore, if mountains, rivers and rivers face north, they have the characteristics of inward convergence, which is consistent with the "feminine" character of Yin, so they are regarded as Yin. Those facing the yang side will have the quality of outward expansion, consistent with the 'masculine' yang.

4. The influence of Yin-Yang geography

The Yin-Yang and Five Elements geography ideas were widely used in agriculture, astronomy, Feng Shui and other fields in ancient times, and had a profound impact on ancient Chinese society. It has not only become an important part of traditional culture, but also has a subtle influence on modern people's thoughts and behaviors, which continues to this day.

5. Practical application of Yin-Yang geography

According to the principles of Yin-Yang and Five Elements geography, people can adjust and balance the Yin-Yang attributes of the terrain environment by rotating, moving and arranging various objects. , in order to achieve the effect of "good luck and good luck".

This practice is called Feng Shui or Feng Shui. The principles of yin-yang geography are also integrated into traditional Chinese urban planning and architectural design. For example, the layout of the Forbidden City and the architectural direction of Beijing are inseparable from the yin-yang and five-element geography.