![]() ![]() The small dots of the opposing color on each side of the symbol represent the idea that both sides carry a piece of the other, further underlining the interdependence of opposing forces. ![]() Would light exist if there was no darkness? Would ‘good’ mean anything if there was no ‘evil’ to compare it with? Both sides of the circle are needed to make it whole. ![]() The yin and yang concept gives rise to further philosophical discussion, leading towards the conclusion that balance is the key principle upholding the universe and giving it meaning. ![]() Recommended Reading: Don’t miss our guide to the coolest daisy tattoos next! The symbol represents the concept of duality in Chinese philosophy.Īccording to this idea, seemingly opposing forces that appear to contradict each other might in fact be complementary and dependent on each other.ĭespite being opposites, forces such as night and day or light and dark continue to coexist. Additionally, both sides have small dots of the opposing side’s color.Īs we’re about to see, all of these nuances are there for a reason and serve their purpose in conveying the meaning behind the symbol. The black side is the yin, while the white side is the yang. Yin and yang takes the form of a circle with a light and dark side, split with a curved line. The symbolīefore getting a yin and yang tattoo, it’s a good idea to become familiar with the origins and meaning of this ancient symbol. Originating in ancient China, the symbol is often seen but rarely fully understood.Īlongside the infinity symbol, yin and yang is one of the most popular choices of pure symbolism to be incorporated into tattoo designs.ĭeceptive in its simplicity and recognizable even after significant alteration of coloring and style, the yin and yang offers a surprising scope for creativity in tattoo art. But, hey, (hey, ayin!), unconditional love for our children is totally something we can totally get behind.The yin and yang is a symbol which has fascinated and intrigued humanity for hundreds of years. While King’s tattoo does stand for unconditional love, it’s not in Aramaic. The Kaballah Centre claims that each of these 3-letter sequences “have the extraordinary power to overcome the laws of nature in all forms, including human nature” and can “act like an index to specific, spiritual frequencies.” (Astute observers of early-2000s pop culture may recall that Madonna also sported a three letter tattoo, “lamed, ayin, vav,” in her video for “Die Another Day.” That, too, is considered a name of God!)Īccording to, hey-hey-ayin stands for “here I stand today” ( hineni hayom omed) and “unconditional love.” Its “functions” include “relieving bitterness and resentment” while encouraging “marriage, parenthood, and making friends.” Thanks to a bit of judicious Googling, I learned that this three-letter combination refers to a Kaballistic principle: The letter sequence on King’s arm is one of 72 three-letter combinations in the Book of Exodus that are considered to be “names of God.” Turns out it’s been noticed before, except… how exactly does Heh-Heh-Ayin translate to “unconditional love”? (Maybe nobody tell King that get tattoo is in fact gibberish…) Īt this point, I was determined to get to the bottom of this. However, former Hasid and author Shulem Deen, who I assume has some knowledge of Aramaic, could not figure out what this word was. No matter your feelings about tattoos, the sentiments behind this particular one are just beautiful. “We considered different ones,” she said, “but we felt this really embodies how we feel about each other.” The backstory: King and her only son, Ian, got a matching tattoo of the three letters right before she took him to college. She told Vulture that the tattoo means “unconditional love” in Aramaic. King herself explained the meaning of the tattoo way back in 2015. There is a long tradition of bad Hebrew tattoos, after all, but I was certain a brilliant actress like King would not stoop so low.įortunately, I didn’t have to do much digging to find out the tattoo wasn’t in Hebrew at all, at least according to its wearer. Mysterious, I thought to myself, as I refreshed Twitter for the 873rd time and contemplated another snack (hey, a nursing mom’s gotta eat!). (What’s the Hebrew tattoo on Regina King’s arm?)Īs a Hebrew speaker myself, I recognized the three letters as “hey, hey, ayin” - a combination of letters that does not mean anything in modern or biblical Hebrew. When actress Regina King won a Golden Globe award last night for her role in the movie If Beale Street Could Talk - a well-deserved nod, in my opinion! - many Jews off and on Twitter couldn’t help but notice her tattoo, which features what looks like three Hebrew letters. ![]()
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