The five elements, frequently used, in oriental studies are based on the following:
金 metal 西 west 白 white 秋 fall / autumn
木 wood 東 east 青 green 春 spring
水 water 北 north 黑 black 冬 winter
火 fire 南 south 赤 red 夏 summer
土 earth 中 center 黃 yellow 天地 heaven and earth
The origins are based on the map of china, where south signifies heat (fire), north cold (water), eastern towards the coast with more greenery (woods), and finally western front with the mineral abundant hills (metal). The central is earth.