Which Customs Are Part Of Confucianism?

Confucianism is a religious system that emphasizes ritual, spiritual cultivation, and the importance of ancestor worship. It has four tenets: Rites and Rituals, the Five Relations, Rectification of Names, and Ren. These rites and rituals are intentional acts of social unification, with relationships falling within a broader context. Confucianism’s understanding of ritual and spiritual cultivation reveals its distinctiveness.

Taoism and legalism influenced Confucianism through their concepts of the Tao, the creative and binding force of the universe, and legalism through its insistence on law and ritual as means of maintaining order. Confucian rituals include ceremonies marking solstices, seasons of planting and harvest, signing treaties, proclamations of new leaders, weddings, funerals, and memorials for deceased ancestors.

There are three levels of sacrificial ritual in Confucianism: Great Sacrifice offered by the emperor, Middle Sacrifice offered by court officials, and state-endorsed ceremonies and sacrifices dedicated to the Gods. The oldest and most enduring Confucian ritual practice is ancestor worship, which involves the ritualized commemoration of, communication with, and sacrifice to one’s ancestor.

Birth rituals center on T’ai-shen, or the spirit of the fetus, designed to protect an expectant mother. Marriage rituals are also important. Important holidays in Confucianism include the Ching Ming Festival, Confucius’ Birthday, and the National Day of Purification. Confucius applied the term “ritual” to actions beyond formal sacrifices and religious ceremonies, including social rituals like courtesies and courtesies.