The cycle of floods and drought in China had a lot to do with how the ancient Chinese viewed the world. The earliest religions were concerned with maintaining a balance between the two great forces of nature called the Ying and Yang
Ying was dark and female; Yang was light and male. Ying stood for earth; Yang, for the sky. One followed the other, like night and day. Harmony between Ying and Yang was thought necessary for people's well-being.