Decorative Lamps :: Yin Yang Lamp

Yin Yang Lamp

The yin-yang is the eternal symbol of Asian culture and represents the duality of existence. When turned on, this trendy Asian lamp emits a soft white light.
Everything is included--a 110-volt electrical chord, socket and switch, and bulb. Some assembly required.

For over a thousand years, the Chinese have used Asian lamps as decoration and for ceremonial purposes. It was customary for the residents of China to hang Chinese paper lanterns outside their homes to show respect for the gods and their citizenship and place within their community. Many towns had poor lighting conditions due to the government not wishing to incur the expense of street lamps. As a response, many Chinese citizens and shops used Chinese lamps and paper hanging lamps as a way to light the night. These Chinese lamps lit up their homes and shops and aided night travelers. Such Chinese lanterns were usually lit until midnight. Today, the tradition of Asian lamps continues with Chinese lantern festivals held each year around the Orient.

$19.95

Dimensions	Height 11 inches x Width 5 inches
Material	wood and paper
Weight	2.20 lbs (approx)
Shipping	All decorative lamps ship the same or next business day via 2-day priority mail or UPS ground to the U.S. and Canada. For expedited shipping please contact us for a rate. Decorative lamps can ship internationally and are sent with 7-10 day express air mail.

Shipping cost within the U.S.: $4.95
A rate outside the U.S. can be found during checkout.

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All things have a story...

The symbol of the yin and yang goes back in history over 2,500 years to the time of the Taoist immortals in ancient China. The Taoists believed that the universe and everything in it is made up of a blend of male and female energy, which the yin-yang symbol represents. Such examples are fire and water, darkness and light or positive and negative energy.

Taoism is actually a religious philosophy that began about 600 years before Christ was born. Taoists take a positive approach to life and advocate living in accord with nature. Unlike Buddhism, which often mentions the word “suffering,” Taoism does not refer to it. In one of its most famous and popular works, the Tao Te Ching, the word “suffering” is not even mentioned once. One of the most peculiar traits of Taoism is the desire to live a very long life. Life on earth extended for as long as possible in good health was believed to lead to happiness. It also gave Taoist adepts more time to cultivate “the way,” which is their path to liberation. The Tao Te Ching (one of the most important works in Taoism) was filled with wise sayings that often fly in the face of logical Western thinking. For example, “Tao does nothing, and yet there is nothing that is not done.” Or, “He who knows of the Tao does not speak of it. He who speaks of the Tao does not know it.”

The Taoists believed that the universe had a certain order or flow to it. Going with the flow was said to be living life in accordance with the Tao or “the way.” Most people struggle in life because they go against the current, living their lives out of balance with the Tao. The Chinese therefore developed a name for doing nothing, or effortless effort, called Wu Wei. Perhaps the greatest figure in Taoism and the first one to mention and write about Wu Wei is the indomitable Lau Tzu. He is the supposed author of the Tao Te Ching, and the name Lao Tzu, literally translated means “old wise man” in Chinese. Lau Tzu is one of the most famous figures in Taoist history and often depicted in Chinese art work. Today, roughly 20 million Taoists exist, with nearly all of them living in Asia. In recent years, basic Taoist principles have made their way to America, as can be seen with the many book titles that begin with, “The Tao of…”