Confucianism Ryan and Rochelle

A religion in China Confucianism

Kong Qiu (K’ung ch’iu) commonly known as Confucius Founder

Born about 551 B.C.E. and died around 479 B.C.E. was a teacher considered himself a failure focused on respect when teaching About Confucius

Confucius’ disciples assembled aphorisms and created the texts that Confucianism followers live by. Historical context

Symbols The Water Symbol which represents the “Source of Life” This symbol represents total tranquility and dignity in your life Known as the “Jen” and represents “social virtue”

Deities Dont believe in a god Try to better society and themselves

Origin “Lu”

Confucianism Today Followed in 5 different countries and has 6,300,000 followers.

How Confucianism Spread Relocation Diffusion Expansionism diffusion Confucianism was also spread through missionaries. People would pick up the beliefs and follow the religion themselves.

Sacred Texts Collections of aphorisms and stories called the “Analects” The Five Classics which include “Classic of Poetry”, “Book of Documents”, “Book of Rites”, “Book of Changes”, and “Spring and Autumn Annals”

Places of Worship Confucius says ordinary living space is sacred. (they don’t believe in god so sacred place is not as relevant) In more modern times, there were temples and Confucianism schools that scholars used for a sacred place.

Roles of Men and Women Women at the bottom Extreme obedience and behavior was expected Not allowed to see other men that were not close relatives or masters Men often had multiple wives and mistresses.

Holy Sites The Forbidden City Cemetery of Confucius

Holidays Confucius’s Birthday is celebrated each year on September 27th. celebrated with a festival starting at 4:00 In temples all over China

Creation Story They believe that the interaction between the Yin and Yang is the cause for of creation. Tao, or the Great Ultimate, is the cause of change and creates Yin and Yang. Confucians believe that we came from Tao, the Great Ultimate which is said to be the force that infuses the universe.

The Afterlife They don’t intertwine with heaven and hell Ancestor worship is practiced What happens after to you after you die is less important than how you live up to your commitments to the dead while living.

Rules Confucian ethics are characterized by the promotion of virtues and morals. virtues they follow are covered in the 5 constants

Purpose of Life They believe in being as perfect as possible

Influence on Architecture Ancient courtyards were strongly influenced by the hierarchical Confucianism code of conduct, which drew strict distinctions between interior and exterior, superior and inferior, and male and female. for a memorial arch to be in your your name you needed to have the highest form of recognition

Hierarchical Rankings and Government China's government spends a great deal of money on the reconstruction and restoration of old Confucian temples. They have a ranking system. you are only so high on the totem pole, it is similar to the Caste system

works cited Cohen, Myron L., and Stephen F. Teiser. "Confucianism and Confucianism Tradition." Confucianism. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Dec Confucius. (2013). The Biography Channel website. Retrieved 12:21, Dec 18, 2013, from "Wikia." Religion Answers. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Dec "Chinese Han Dynasty: Emperors, Achievements." Chinese Han Dynasty: Emperors, Achievements. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Dec Richey, Jeffery. "Confucianism." Rites and Ceremonies. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Dec

works cited (cont’d.) "Library." Confucianism Origins, Confucianism History, Confucianism Beliefs. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Dec Seth, Anisha. "Confucianism." Hrt3m World Religions. N.p., Web. 17 Dec "Confucianism." Confucianism. AFF and CYS, n.d. Web. 17 Dec "Confucianism." - ReligionFacts. N.p., 13 Dec Web. 17 Dec "Beijing Attractions." Forbidden City, World Heritage, Palace Museum, China Emperor's Residence. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Dec "Qufu Confucius Family Mansion, Kongfu, Confucius Cemetery, Shandong." Qufu Confucius Family Mansion, Kongfu, Confucius Cemetery, Shandong. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Dec "Birthday of Confucius." Hong Kong Tourism Board. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Dec "Confucius' Birthday -- China.org.cn." Confucius' Birthday -- China.org.cn. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Dec