玄げん黄こう

noun

black and yellow silk (offering to gods); heaven and earth

Rare classical term. Originally refers to black and yellow silk used in Shinto offerings, and by extension symbolizes heaven (black) and earth (yellow). Mainly encountered in historical or religious contexts.

• 古ふるい文ぶん献けんに「玄げん黄こうを神しん前ぜんに供そなえる」とある。

  An old text says, 'Offer black and yellow silk before the gods.'

• 「玄げん黄こう」は天てんと地ちを表あらわす言こと葉ばとしても使つかわれた。

  '玄黄' was also used as a term representing heaven and earth.