Uses of the Five Elements in East Asia

Authors

Spencer J. Palmer

Keywords

Philosophy, Asian

Abstract

The author suggests that the Chinese theory of Wu-hsing, or The Five Elements, combined with the Yin-Yang theory, has had as great an influence on Eastern cultures as Greco-Roman culture has had upon the West. The theory of the Five Elements-fire, earth, metal, water, and wood-has impacted everything from children's games to the days of the week to the naming of babies throughout Asia. Perhaps the greatest influence has been on politics and theories of history.

Recommended Citation

Palmer, Spencer J. (1965) "Uses of the Five Elements in East Asia," BYU Studies Quarterly: Vol. 6: Iss. 3, Article 3.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byusq/vol6/iss3/3