Confucianism

Confucianism (AKA Ruism) is a philosophy or religion or ethico-political system based on the teachings of Confucius, who lived from 551 to 479 BCE and was born in the eastern Chinese province of Shandong. From 200 BCE till 1949, Confucianism was the official religion of China. It remains one of China’s most influential systems of thought and is entwined with Chinese folk religion and Daoism. More than 6 million people (.09% of the world’s population) follow Confucianism, often along with Buddhism or Daoism. Around 10% of the Chinese population may follow Confucianism, including many in the intellectual class. There are five classic texts of Confucianism, including the ‘I Ching’, or 20 Analects. Confucianism emphasises the importance of family, social harmony and ancestor worship. The primary basis of the philosophy is the ‘kindness’ principle. In common with Daoists, Confucianists believe in the Dao as the governing force of the universe. There are no Confucian deities or institutional structures but there are temples of Confucianism (often comprised of many buildings) throughout East Asia for the veneration of Confucius and the other philosophers of Confucianism or of their teachings. Many temples were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution (1966 –1976) but have since been restored. There are no dietary or alcohol restrictions in Confucianism, but there is an emphasis on moderation, balance and freshness. Confucianism is not formally recognised by the People’s Republic of China but there is increasing official recognition. The main Confucianist holidays are the Qingming Festival (All Souls’ Day, now a Chinese public holiday), Confucius’s birthday, Chongmyo Taeje and the National Day of Purification.