The earliest known use of the terms "yin" and "yang" in relation to the concept of opposing forces appears in the Yijing, which dates back to the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BCE).
However, the specific concept of yin and yang as a complementary and interconnected duality likely evolved over time, influenced by various philosophical schools of thought in ancient China.
Here's a breakdown of how the term came about:
* "Yin" (陰) originally referred to the shady side of a hill, while "yang" (陽) signified the sunny side.
* This association then expanded to encompass opposing forces in nature, such as darkness and light, cold and hot, female and male, etc.
* The Yijing utilized these concepts to explain the ever-changing nature of the universe, emphasizing how seemingly opposing forces are actually interdependent and complementary.
So, while the exact origin of the term "yin and yang" is difficult to pinpoint, the Yijing served as a crucial text in solidifying its usage and meaning within Chinese thought.