Ancient Chinese theological concept of unclear origin; represents opposing forces present in the universe. The yin is characterized by "dark, cool, passive, earth, and female"; the yang, by its opposites, namely, "light, hot, active, heaven, and male." This dualism, a foundational tenet of Taoism, influenced the theories of Confucius. One Da Vinci Code character insists that Leonardo's fresco The Last Supper depicts Jesus and Mary Magdalene as equal, complementary divine forces, yin and yang (244).