Overview
The culture- or philosophy, if you will- that we have chosen is Confucianism. Confucianism is an ethical and philosophical system consisting of teachings that originated in the year 500 CE in China by a man named Kong Qiu. These days he is better known as Confucius. Confucianism became known as a religion because of the way it has affected the way people live their lives. The majority of Confucianism followers are found in mainland China and Taiwan. Confucianism is usually practiced with Buddhism or Taoism in these places. (Confucianism is practiced in the blue section on the map.)
The ideas of Confucius teach how to develop moral perfection, as well as self-virtue. Confucianism teaches followers to have a respectful attitude towards parents, teachers, and elders. In Confucianism there is no deity that they worship; instead they follow the principle texts taught by Confucius himself in sacred texts like " The Great Learning" and " The Book of Filial Duty." One important proverb that Confucianism teaches is, " What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others." This encourages its followers to treat others with kindness and respect. Another important belief is that if all men strive to be superior men, then the society as a whole will run smoothly. Confucianism became the basis behind Chinese government and education.
As mentioned before, the writings and teachings of Confucius were the building blocks beneath this philosophy. It is essential to have an understanding of history, poetry, and paintings and an appreciation for beauty under this philosophy. Similar to Confucianism is, Taoism. These "religions" share similar ideologies but differentiate by the fact that Confucianism deals with the practical and human life on earth where as Taoism focuses more on abstract concepts and the divine.
Confucius was mainly credited with having authored many of the Chinese classical texts. Some that included the "Five Classics" in which he authored and wrote these before 300 BC. The "Five Classics" were books that formed part of the well-known Confucian legacy. These texts were mainly authored by Confucian himself but as well edited by one of the leader of the scholars at the time, Mencius. Throughout time these texts became part of the state-sponsored curriculum. At that time is when they established these texts as a set collection giving them the name the "Five Classics". This collective was considered a credited text and art form because of it's content which consisted of these texts combined: Classic of Poetry, Book of Documents, Book of Rites, Book of Changes, and Spring and Autumn Annals. Their society considered different things art. Such as being a scholar and following through with their practice and rituals. Their arts were mainly on display when they were worshiping their ancestors or doing ceremonies. The most well known ceremonies they had in their lives was the day of birth of Confucius, their wedding, and their funeral. From the different foods to the vibrant decorations on display everything was devoted for the community to be one and practice Confucianism.
As mentioned before, the writings and teachings of Confucius were the building blocks beneath this philosophy. It is essential to have an understanding of history, poetry, and paintings and an appreciation for beauty under this philosophy. Similar to Confucianism is, Taoism. These "religions" share similar ideologies but differentiate by the fact that Confucianism deals with the practical and human life on earth where as Taoism focuses more on abstract concepts and the divine.
Confucius was mainly credited with having authored many of the Chinese classical texts. Some that included the "Five Classics" in which he authored and wrote these before 300 BC. The "Five Classics" were books that formed part of the well-known Confucian legacy. These texts were mainly authored by Confucian himself but as well edited by one of the leader of the scholars at the time, Mencius. Throughout time these texts became part of the state-sponsored curriculum. At that time is when they established these texts as a set collection giving them the name the "Five Classics". This collective was considered a credited text and art form because of it's content which consisted of these texts combined: Classic of Poetry, Book of Documents, Book of Rites, Book of Changes, and Spring and Autumn Annals. Their society considered different things art. Such as being a scholar and following through with their practice and rituals. Their arts were mainly on display when they were worshiping their ancestors or doing ceremonies. The most well known ceremonies they had in their lives was the day of birth of Confucius, their wedding, and their funeral. From the different foods to the vibrant decorations on display everything was devoted for the community to be one and practice Confucianism.