Confucianism and Ancestral Worship.

Confucianism Overview

  • Official Religion of China: Confucianism is regarded as the official religion but is primarily a system of ethics.

  • Confucius: Moral teacher who allowed traditional worship practices while maintaining agnostic beliefs in religious matters.

  • Filial Piety (Hsiao): Central concept in Confucian ethics emphasizing duty and respect for one's family.

Key Ethical Concepts

  • Propriety (Li): Emphasizes rules of behavior; Confucianism demands politeness and adherence to social decorum.

  • Punctiliousness: Chinese culture is marked by a strict observance of good manners and ethical conduct.

Historical Context

  • Influence of Ancestors: Confucius aligned with existing Chinese ideals; practices long existed before him.

  • Poetry as Instruction: Confucius encouraged the recitation of virtuous poetry to instill values in society.

Five Relationships in Confucianism

  • Hierarchy and Respect:

    • Ruler to Subject

    • Father to Son

    • Husband to Wife

    • Elder Brother to Younger Brother

    • Friend to Friend

  • Filial Piety extends beyond the living to include respect and rituals for deceased ancestors (ancestor worship).

Ancestor Worship Practices

  • Family Altars: Houses typically have altars dedicated to family founders and sacred days observed for deceased relatives.

  • Ritual Significance: Observance of rituals reflects relationships between the living and past ancestors, viewed as active participants in familial matters.

The Concept of Heaven in Confucianism

  • Heaven as Sovereign: Parallel drawn between Heaven and a ruler's authority over subjects.

  • Expectation of Politeness: Social respect and hierarchy are reflected in religious practices and popular beliefs.

Chinese Deities and Ancestors

  • Introduction of Deities: Acknowledges lesser gods alongside the supreme deity known as Shang Ti ('Lord on High').

  • Mythology and Ancestor Legends: Examples like Kwan Ti highlight both historical and moral lessons in Chinese culture.

  • Local Worship: Temples are dedicated to various deities, particularly in rural and village settings.

Festivals and Celebrations

  • Queen of Heaven: Celebrated in spring and autumn; linked to the importance of familial and communal harmony.

  • Sacrificial Practices: Animals like pigs, oxen, and sheep are commonly used in ceremonial offerings.

Proverbs and Wisdom in Chinese Thought

  • Analogy with Heaven: Chinese proverbs reflect a philosophical view of life, fate, and morality similar to Western beliefs.

  • Cultural Wisdom: Quotes underscore accountability to heaven and the moral weight of one’s actions.