East

East

A compass rose showing the direction East

East is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite of west and is perpendicular to north and south.

In terms of geography, east is the direction toward which the Earth rotates about its axis, and therefore the direction from which the Sun rises in the morning. This is why east is often associated with beginnings and newness.

Etymology

The word "east" comes from the Old English word "_ast," which is derived from the Proto-Germanic "austra-" and ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European root "aus-" meaning "to shine" or "dawn." This reflects the association of east with the sunrise.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, east holds significant symbolic meaning. For example, in Chinese culture, the east is associated with the element of wood and the color green. It is also considered a direction of auspiciousness and growth.

In Western culture, the east is often associated with the idea of enlightenment and knowledge, as it is the direction of the rising sun, symbolizing the dawn of understanding.

Navigation

A detailed compass rose indicating east

In navigation, east is used as a reference point for determining direction. On a standard compass, east is at 90 degrees. Navigators use the cardinal directions, including east, to chart courses and determine bearings.

Astronomy

In astronomy, east is the direction from which celestial objects such as the Sun, Moon, and stars appear to rise due to the rotation of the Earth. Observing the movement of these objects from east to west across the sky is fundamental to understanding the Earth's rotation and the concept of time.

Related pages

• West
• North
• South
• Compass
• Cardinal direction