Yuan | Earth Turtle

Yuan, pronounced like the Chinese word for “origin”, is a great turtle associated here with Earth in the Five Elements.

In Chinese thought, yuan signifies the beginning of all things. The Dao De Jing describes the Dao giving rise to one, one to two, two to three, and three to the myriad things. Yuan carries the ideas of origin, foundation and substance. Legend tells of the sea giving birth to the dragon, the dragon to yuan, and yuan to the spirit turtle, honoured as a leader among creatures. Its broad shell resembles the earth, quietly supporting life. Earth, in turn, represents support and blessing.

On the tea table or in the study, it carries wishes for blessings to take root, for virtue to sustain a life, and for a family to enjoy a firm foundation, fulfilment and abundance.