East-West Question｜Yang Chaoming- Why does the worship of Confucius become more popular and popular over time-

Title: The Enduring Relevance of the Confucius Memorial Ceremony

— An Interview with Professor Yang Zhaoming, Distinguished Professor at Shandong University and Vice President of the International Confucian Association

By: Yu Haitao, Sun Tingting, Li Xin

The memorial ceremonies honoring Confucius, the founder of Confucian culture, have been observed in China for over 2,000 years, serving as a profound way to pay homage and reflect on the teachings of the “Sage of Sages.” Recently, there has been a notable increase in participation from people interested in Chinese culture who seek a deeper understanding of Confucian philosophy, especially at local Confucius Temples and academies.

**China News Service Reporter:** Professor Yang, the memorial ceremony marking the 2,575th anniversary of Confucius’s birth took place on September 28 in Qufu, Shandong Province. Can you provide us with some background on when this ceremony began and what its original goals were?

**Yang Zhaoming:** During his lifetime, Confucius was revered as “the Sage sent by Heaven.” After his death, the ruler of Lu wrote an eloquent eulogy, referring to him as “Master Ni,” demonstrating profound respect. This can be seen as the precursor to the memorial ceremonies we hold today.

Confucius’s disciples honored him by mourning at his gravesite for three years, akin to a filial devotion. They transformed his living quarters into a temple, where they enshrined personal artifacts he used. This transformation gave rise to the Confucius Temple.

Following the Han Dynasty, emperors and nobles continued this tradition, and rituals dedicated to Confucius became increasingly formalized. From the Tang Dynasty onward, every province and county established Confucius Temples for regular ceremonies, affirming these sites as important for Confucian worship and the preservation of Chinese culture.

The motivation for honoring Confucius and upholding Confucianism stems from the significant historical weight of his teachings. As the ancients stated, “Without Confucius, the world would remain in darkness for ages,” and “Half of the Analects can govern a nation,” illustrating the profound respect for Confucian thought.

Respecting and honoring Confucius embodies our cultural values of “respecting teachers and upholding principles.” Teachers embody the “Dao” through their educational roles, passing down these values. The memorial ceremonies are integral to promoting the ideals and morals inherent in Confucianism.

**China News Service Reporter:** Beyond China, in which other countries and regions is the Confucius memorial ceremony widely recognized, and what explains its enduring persistence over the centuries?

**Yang Zhaoming:** Wherever there is a ritual honoring Confucius, you’ll find Confucius Temples. Confucianism has thrived not only in China for over two millennia but has also spread across East Asia, Southeast Asia, and beyond, alongside the migration of the Chinese diaspora. These regions engage in teaching Confucian classics, promoting Confucian thought, and building temples to honor him.

Countries in the East Asian Cultural Sphere, like Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and even the United States, have all felt the influence of Confucian philosophy. Confucianism gradually made its way to Korea by the 3rd century and later to Japan. Vietnam embraced its significance in the 15th century, strongly linking it to the veneration of Confucius.

In fact, many countries maintain various numbers of Confucius Temples today. Since the reform and opening up in China, there has been a renewed focus on traditional culture and Confucius memorials, inspiring similar activities worldwide. For instance, during the 2005 International Confucius Cultural Festival in Qufu, a “Global Joint Confucius Memorial” was organized simultaneously in cities like Qufu, Shanghai, San Francisco, and Cologne.

Moreover, Confucius represents a spiritual symbol for overseas Chinese communities, connecting them to their heritage. In Chinatowns and other Chinese communities worldwide, you can find numerous temples and statues of Confucius. These communities actively preserve the practice of honoring him, reflecting their deep-rooted connection to their origins.

The lasting relevance of Confucianism stems from its embodiment of universal values and global significance. Philosopher Hans Küng highlighted two core ethical frameworks rooted in traditional Chinese culture – the virtue of humanity, or “ren,” and the first golden rule: “Do not impose on others what you do not desire for yourself.”

Confucius envisioned a world operating for the common good, aligning closely with the aspirations of the Chinese people throughout history. His philosophy represents a profound civilization capable of transcending time and space, leaving a lasting impact on the values, thought patterns, and behaviors of individuals worldwide, particularly in East Asia.

**China News Service Reporter:** In today’s globalized context, how does Confucian thought cross national boundaries and connect various cultures?

**Yang Zhaoming:** Confucian thought is inherently boundary-less. As stated in the Book of Documents, its governance philosophy emphasizes virtue, harmony, and peace among nations. The foundation of self-cultivation, family harmony, governance, and world peace is deeply embedded in this ancient text.

Early Chinese civilization took cues from the cosmos, striving for a holistic perspective on the world. Terms like “the world,” “all directions,” and “the seas” frequently appear in ancient Chinese literature, reflecting a worldview centered on harmony and unity. Through their interactions with the world, Chinese thinkers developed a profound understanding of change and balance, highlighting the importance of considering others in our actions.

Thus, Confucian thought transcends specific times and places, encapsulating universal principles that keep its timeless ideals, such as “the way of the inner sage and the outer ruler,” relevant to a global audience.

**China News Service Reporter:** Recently, there seems to be an increasing participation of young people in the Confucius memorial ceremonies. How do you foresee these activities evolving to better engage the younger generation?

**Yang Zhaoming:** For young people in China, engaging in Confucius memorial ceremonies allows them to connect with their cultural roots, fostering a sense of belonging and self-esteem. This connection is vital for motivating them to carry forward traditional values.

What is Confucius’s ideal? In the Analects, he encourages, “The elder should be at peace, friends should be trustworthy, and the young should have aspirations.” This speaks directly to the importance of inspiration for youth and reflects Confucius’s expectations of them. When young individuals pursue their dreams, it bodes well not only for their families but for society and the world.

Engaging the youth must be a priority for the future. Whether during memorial ceremonies, traditional festivals, or study sessions on ancient books, we should actively inspire the public, especially the younger generation, to appreciate our traditional culture.

Leveraging innovation and modern technology, such as multimedia, can effectively capture the interest of younger audiences. However, we must tread carefully, as superficial engagement might undermine the depth of connection we aim for.

This calls for a deeper exploration of the meanings and values embedded in traditional culture, presenting them with authenticity and respect. The traditions we share should resonate within people’s hearts and minds, offering genuine inspiration and guidance.

**Interviewee Profile:**
Yang Zhaoming is a distinguished professor at Shandong University and serves as vice president of both the International Confucian Association and the Chinese Confucian Society. He is a prolific author with works focused on Zhou Gong, the history and culture of the State of Lu, and various aspects of Confucian literature and philosophy.