Sofia is challenging us to explore the 5 Elements of Wuxing that create the world around us: Wood, Fire, Earth Metal and Water. This Chinese Theory asserts that the world changes according to 5 elements’ generating or overcoming relationships so a balance can be maintained. For example, Water nourishes Wood (waters flowers, plants) and/but Water regulates Fire. Earth generates Metal (minerals and ores) and Metal generates Water (condensation on metal surfaces). Wood generates Fire, which generates Earth in the form of ash and soil. To learn more about the 5 Elements of Wuxing, be sure to read Sofia’s blog Photographias. She explains the relationships beautifully through her pictures and explanations.
To answer her challenge, I decided on two images which show 4 of the 5 elements in an everyday setting. The first is a pizza oven in Tuscany, Italy. This shows an example of Fire generating ash from Wood which in turn helps create Earth (soil) and Earth generates Metal which controls Fire. Unfortunately, Water is the one element missing but it must be close by to nourishe the lovely plants!
The second is a table setting in a favorite restaurant which shows a combination of four of the elements: Water, Fire, Wood and Metal.
Hope these pictures provided a little explanation on the 5 Elements of Wuxing which can be seen all around should we look for them. Thanks to Sofia for choosing such an interesting topic, be sure to see post, Photographias, by clicking here.
The header is an example of the element Earth, it is the New York City skyline at sunset.
Hope you have a good week and be safe!
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said and what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
That first photo is superb, there’s so much to take in and it’s gorgeous too. And yes, I’d say you have all 5 on it too 🙂
Well done Sylvia, lots of elements from just two images! Hope it’s not too freezing up there – pretty darned cold down here too!!
Thanks Tina. Must admit I thought about you when seeing how low the temperature have been on Kiawah. We had a beautiful snow fall last night, pictures to come….. D mentions how cold it is here (the teens) then I have to ask him where is coat, hat and gloves are, lol.
Wow! Great photos, Sylvia. I agree with you that there is water in the first photo, too. I bet the soil has plenty of moisture. Beautiful post and photos!
Thank you, Egidio!!