Confucianism And Confucian Rites Of Passage

 Confucianism can be confusing to Western readers because it is more of a philosophy and way of life than a religion. Confucian teachings have influenced the beliefs and values of traditional societies in China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Taiwan for centuries. Confucius (551-472 B.C.) was a teacher who taught social and ethical reforms, not  religion. Respectful relationships between all people—parents and children, one another, and elders—are fundamental to Confucians. In the old Imperial China, Confucian officials regulated the traditional rites of passage and all aspects of public behavior. Under Communism, the great majority of Chinese people still hold fast to values that were first introduced by Confucius and his followers, even though religion is officially discouraged. Throughout Asian countries, Confucian rituals are hard to identify because they are generally fused with other religions.
   Today, the most important rite of passage for Confucians is death. Confucians have great respect for their ancestors; when someone dies, the funeral is a memorable occasion. Colorful decorations and elaborate rituals are carefully attended to with the help of a religious leader. Family mourners chant prayers and offer sacrifices of food, especially rice. They symbolically burn paper money, and in some cases paper cars, planes, and images of servants, all necessary items that they believe will help the spirit of the dead make a more enjoyable journev into the world of its ancestors.