By: Xiaoyi LiuElimar GarciaWenfong wang

Xing zi Xie

Confucianism

Confucianism, also known as Ruism, is an ethical and philosophical system, also described as a religion, developed from the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius (551–479 BCE). Confucianism originated as an "ethical-sociopolitical teaching“. Confucianism has been followed by the Chinese for more than two millennia. It has deeply influenced spiritual and political life in China, its also had extended to Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.

What is it?

The founder of Confucianism was Kong Qiu, who was born around 552 b.c.e in a small state called Lu. The Latinized name Confucius, based on the honorific title Kong Fuzi was created by 16th-century Jesuit missionaries in China. Confucius was a teacher to sons of the nobility at a time when formal education was just beginning in China. He traveled from region to region with a small group of disciples, a number of whom would become important government officials. He died on 479 b.c.e .

Who is the founder?

The core values of the chinese confucian culture such as harmony,humanity,cleanness,and honesty represent the soul of 5,000 years. Chinese traditional culture may represent the value of maintaining the balance of social benefits and harmony that develop the whole society. Also it provide the contemporary sources of business, management of culture and practice.

Culture:

● Yin yang symbol mostly associated with taoism and is also related to confucianism. It mean balance in nature between opposing forces.

● Xi is used during wedding ceremonies in chinese culture. It use to represent confucianism. It mean total righteousness and harmony within yourself and others.

● Shui is the ideogram that symbolize water and it represent the source of life in the chinese philosophy.

● Jen means social virtue. All those virtues harmony and righteousness are included in the jen.

● Li means correct behavior, good manners, worship and politeness.

Symbols:

The Scared text in early histories and biographies are the closest thing to Confucianism. It include the analects of (LUN YU).

The 5 classics that are :- classic of change -classic of poetry-classic of rites-classic of history-spring and autumn annalsThe four books that was selected in the song dynasty as an introduction to

Confucian, it include the -ultimate reality and divine beings-human nature and the purpose of existence-suffering and the problem of evil-afterlife and salvation

Sacred text:

The Worship of AncestorsAs respect of elders and ancestors is a chief concern of Confucianism and is practiced by many Chinese in the home, at temples and at the graves of relatives, a common Confucian practice includes ancestral tablets and shrines dedicated to deceased elders.An ancestral tablet is often made of stone and includes names of ancestors carved in lists. Shrines to ancestors often consist of portraits of deceased elders, such as parents or grandparents. Those showing their respect will incense in the palm of both hands, kneel before the tablet and place the burning incense in the holder.

Practices:

Temple Worship

Chinese also visit Confucian temples to show their veneration for Confucius and to ask for a blessing. Contemporary rituals often involve the burning of incense and kneeling and bowing before images of Confucius or other important ancestors and spirits. Offerings, such as cups of tea, are made and donations may also be made to the temple. Those worshiping at the temple will often make wishes for themselves.

World Religions Professor, an old Chinese saying is as follows, “every Chinese person wears Buddhist robes, a Confucian cap and Taoist sandals." Chinese culture is characterized by a blending of different philosophies and religions. Daoism and Buddhism have both been influenced by Confucius’ ideas and virtues. The followers of Confucius realized how deeply rooted both religions were in Chinese society and, rather than push against these religions, Confucians invited practitioners of both religions to perform ceremonies for funerals, taking the opportunity to spread ideas of filial piety to these other groups.Chinese Buddhists and Daoists have largely adopted the idea of filial piety and the veneration of ancestors. Tomb Sweeping Day, a holiday when Chinese show respect for their ancestors by making offerings and cleaning the area around their tombs, is practiced by Chinese of many different religions.

Influences with other religions:

• Qing Ming: One of the most important days in the Confucianism religion, happens 106 days after the winter solstice. On this day people go to the graves of their ancestors with offerings such as paper clothing and paper money. Food, which is usually offered after the ceremony is offered during the ceremony. This is supposed to connect the spirits of the living and their former ancestors. 

• ChongmyoTaeje: A ceremony held in honor of the kings and queens of the Yi dynasty (lasting from 1392 to 1910.) Taking place on the first Sunday of May, the past leaders are celebrated with music, food, and dance.

• Confucius' Birthday: Born on the 28th of September, is when the ceremony begins. It takes place over the span of a few days and ends of the 10th of October. It begins with a short march to a local temple where an animal is there sacrificed to Confucius. They sing the "Song of Peace" and get a special "wisdom cake" made of rice. It is celebrated the most of all the ceremonies, due to Confucius being the face of the religion.  

• Ching Ming Festival: Also known as the "Tomb Sweeping Day". It is either held on the 4th or 5th or April. On this day, respect is paid to the ancestors by sweeping the graves and laying flowers. Sometimes, the deceased person's favorite food will be left on the grave and small amounts of money is burned. People also bring kites to fly at the festivals. 

Holy days:

Holy places:

Qufu

This Confucian holy sites including the Confucius Temple,Confucius’ tomb, and Confucius’ family mansion. The temple, built in 478 B.C., was destroyed and then rebuilt to eventually comprise more than 100 buildings. Each year a sacrificing ceremony to Confucius is held at the temple, which draws thousands of visitors. Outside Qufu, Confucian temples can be found in China, as well as in Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Mount Tai, known as Taishan in Mandarin, is one of the holiest mountains in China. Besides its important association with the rise of Confucianism, Taishan is also well known for Heaven and Earth ceremonies that take place there. The first such ceremony took place in 219 B.C. after Emperor Shi Huang of the Qin Dynasty climbed the mountain and had built on top to offer sacrifices to heaven.