The basic type of ritual Taoist garment is a rectangular full-length sleeveless robe with a center front opening, resembling a poncho. The ground color is often one of the five symbolic colors of the universe (black, red, green, yellow, or white) with decoration comprised of couched embroidery in gold metal-wrapped thread. This robe displays the "cosmic diagram" on the back, the eight precious objects of Buddhism in the hem border, and the yin and yang symbols in front.