Taoism or Daoism is the English name referring to the Chinese philosophical and religious traditions and concepts.
Taoism influenced East Asia for over two thousand years and spread its significance internationally. The term 'Tao' means path or way. In Chinese philosophy it is more related to abstract things. It is a rare object of worship being treated with more spiritual concept. Most traditional Chinese Taoists are polytheistic. Nature and ancestor spirits are also common in Taoism. Chinese, Alchemy, Astrology, Cuisine, Chinese traditional medicine, fengshui and Chinese martial arts are many styles of training disciplines that are intertwined with Taoism since decades.
There are many symbols and images associated with Taoism. They are actual Chinese characters and many other symbols that are often represented or associated with it. The Taijitu, Bagua, Azure Dragon are some of them. In Taoism the five directions represents different elements such as:
East-Wood-spring
South-Fire-summer
West-Metal-autumn
North-Water-winter
Center-Earth-none
Taoist temples fly square or triangular flags. They typically feature mystical writing or diagrams and are intended to fulfill various functions including the dealing with spirits of the dead, to bring good fortune, increase life span and such atheist practices. Taoism believes that man is the microcosm of for the universe. The body comprises of the Chinese five elements.
Taoism has also been a resource for those in environmental philosophy who give new ideas about nature and environmental ethics. Some consider Taoism to be similar to the environmental philosophy of deep ecology.
