Confucianism In Ancient China

Ancient China, or Imperial China, is a classical civilization with more than three thousand years of history. Even today, it is one of the fastest growing economies with a population of over one billion. Three institutions; family, politics and religion, influenced Ancient China’s identity during the first century BCE of the Han Dynasty. The Han Dynasty began in 206 BCE, lasting for four centuries. During the first century BCE of the Han Dynasty, it was classified as the Western Han Dynasty, which was the early years of the Han Dynasty (Indiana University 1). There are a many institutions in Ancient China that have had an impact on both Imperial and modern China; the Chinese Emperor’s iron rule, the different bonds in confucianism, and the

The father would protect the son so long as the son respected the father. This was mostly seen in homes and palaces, although different interactions between the citizens and rulers of China always displayed respect. Confucianism was created by a man named Confucius (Kung Fu Zi). Confucianism has no God or deity, and is mostly regarded as a philosophy or way of life, much like Buddhism. (Confucianism) The five relationships are father to son, elder brother to younger brother, husband to wife, friend to friend, and ruler to subject. (The Main Concepts of Confucianism) There are five rules that are followed in these reciprocal relationships, “1. Benevolence in rulers, loyalty in ministers and subjects. 2. Kindness in the father, filial piety in the son. 3. Righteous behavior in the husband, obedience in the wife. 4. Gentility in the oldest son, humility and respect in the younger siblings. 5. Humane consideration in elders, deference in juniors.” (Confucianism) In every relationship, there was a ‘superior’ and ‘inferior’, although this was mostly based on age and gender. In a father and son relationship, the father would be the ‘superior’, and in a husband and wife relationship, the husband would be considered the ‘superior’. The ‘superior’ of the relationship would have to take responsibility to always take care of the ‘inferior’. As Confucianism was made the national religion of China

These three institutions helped shape the patriarchal monarchy of Ancient China and their influence can still be seen. For instance, modern China is ruled by the communist party that holds ‘absolute power’, much like the ancient emperors. Confucianism has integrated into all aspects of Ancient Chinese society, and while today it only has 5,000,000 followers, many Confucian beliefs have become infused into Chinese culture, such as the respect for elders. Today, women in China are no longer treated as a last priority, however, the modern one child policy has a bias toward boys, reflecting the same beliefs as the past. There are few countries in the world that can point to historical and cultural traditions stretching back thousands of years and understanding the influences of these institutions can help outsiders better comprehend how these roots may continue to impact the future of