Di (Chinese concept)
Introduction The Chinese character for ''Dì''. '''''Di''''' () is one of the oldest Chinese terms for the earth and a key concept or figure in Chinese philosophy and religion. It is widely considered to be one of three powers ('''', ) which are Heaven, Earth, and Humanity (, ).There is a significant belief in Taoism which focuses on ''tian'', as well as the forces of ''di'' (earth) and water, which are held to be equally powerful, instead of earth and humanity.
Etymology ''Dì'' is the modern Mandarin Chinese pronunciation. The Old Chinese pronunciation has been reconstructed as ''*lˤej-s''.The Chinese character  is a phono-semantic compound, combining the  radical ("earth", "dirt") with the (former) sound marker  (Modern Chinese ''yě'', Old Chinese ''*lajʔ'').The relationship between ''tian'' and ''di'' is important to Taoist cosmology. They are among the "three realms" of the world (''tian'', earth, and water) presided over by the Three Great Emperor-Officials, and thought to maintain the two poles of the "three powers", with humanity occupying the pivotal position between them.
Places Mount Tai is seen as a sacred place in Confucianism and was traditionally the most revered place where Chinese emperors offered sacrifices to heaven and earth.
See also * Agriculture (Chinese mythology)* Chinese gods and immortals* Sheji* Houji* Unity of Heaven and humanity
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