Religion

Confucianism

Confucianism is a philosophy rather than a religion. Confucius was a teacher and a founder of Confucianism. He presented this thinking in a very practical way; Confucianism derived a complex code of moral behaviour so as to promote a happy and stable society.

For social life, Confucius promoted the ideas of li (courtesy and reverence) and yi (consideration for others).

Under Confucianism a woman is expected to respect her parents before she marries and obey her husband and her son when he grows up. She is also expected to display the following qualities; magnanimity, earnestness, benevolence and sincerity.

Confucius advocated 'neutral act' which means one must avoid extremes of behaviour. He also encouraged ancestor worship, recognising the contribution it made to society.

Confucianism has dominated the Chinese way of life for over 2000 years and still has a very strong influence on Chinese people today.