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Confucianism is an Eastern religion/philosophy. Although it is more accurately referred to as a philosophy, books on world religions inevitably include it with other religions from Buddhism to Zoroastrianism. It originated in China but has spread to Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam. Most people who adhere to the teachings of Confucius follow Chinese traditional religion, which is a blending of Confucianism, Buddhism, ﻿Taoism, and traditional local practices and beliefs.

Teachings
[|Confucianism goal is making not only the man virtuous, but also making him the man of learning and of][| good manners.]Confucius taught that when societies operate under laws, people are punished by authorities after having committed illegal activities. People generally conform to the laws, often without necessarily understanding the rationale behind them. He promoted a different way: to internalize behaviors so that actions are controlled beforehand. People then behave properly because they wish to avoid feeling shame and want to avoid losing face. In theory, the result is a reduction in the number of coercive laws required for smooth functioning of the society. ([])

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Symbol


[|The water symbol -] Though this worldview [confucianism] is recognized as one of the eleven main living religions, it has no standard symbol or icon representing its belief system. Quite often, though, this Chinese ideogram for water is utilized. It represents the 'source of life' in Chinese philosophy. ([])



Architecture
Chinese people built Confucian temples in honor of his contribution to Chinese culture. The Confucian temples have a special name in China, it is Kong Miao. The Confucian temple in Qufu is one of the most holy cities in the world. The building of all of the temples was not easy. When Confucius first died, his writings and teachings were not accepted. In later dynasties his ideas were more accepted bringing about temples and schools made in his honor teaching his words. Confucius temples are in all different sizes, in one area of the world there is a small pavillion in honor of him, in another part there is a whole temple with glazed like walls and a pool.

﻿Holidays
[|September 28 is Confucius birthday. Many celebrate this day. It is also commonly known as philosopher’s day.] This tradition has been celebrated for many decades in "Communist China." In Taiwan, the "Nationalist Party" are strongly engaged in the Confucian beliefs,ethics, and behavior. The tradition of this ceremony is supported by the government and has been going on without any problems for many years. This is not a national holiday, and most likely not on calendars, especially American. More than 3,000 people from around the world attended the ceremony in the memorable man’s hometown, Qufu, to honor him. The people that attend varry from his descendants, government officials and representatives from various places around the world. They"saluted the altar" and offered flowers to a statue of Confucius. People are dressed in traditional ancient costumes. They have re-enacted ceremonies that are held in the early Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Confucius (551-479 BC)

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