Confucius was a strong advocate for rites- he believed that they served to create a civilized society and a form of structure that was difficult to attain simply through laws. The concept of li, one that encompasses ideas of ritual propriety, filial piety and proper social conduct serve to reinforce the importance of this belief. To be Confucian indubitably entails participating in ancestor worship, a ritualized commemoration and sacrifice to one’s deceased relatives. Through purification, food offerings, divinations and prayers, it was believed that the living would benefit from the blessings of their ancestors. This essay will examine elements of the seasonal sacrifice performed in class with respect to Confucian ideals- it is of the view …show more content…
Every aspect of the ritual had a certain performative element to it, from having the presiding man bow and prostrate himself repeatedly to the meticulous placement of food offerings. Besides a general atmosphere of respect and solemnity, there were no specific instructions on how one should feel during such a ritual. The prioritizing of orthopraxy over orthodoxy is commonplace in Confucianism, best seen in the Book of Rites. For instance, “When (a father) has just died, (the son) should appear quite overcome, as if he were at wit’s end…At the end of the first year’s mourning, he should look sad and disappointed. At the end of the second year’s he should have a vague and unreliant look.” Such detailed description of how an individual should act in a given situation highlights Confucian tendencies to conform to the external as opposed to the internal. More importance is placed on what can be seen, rather than innate beliefs. With that being said, both the body and mind were seen as a single entity, and by leading the body through performance it was assumed that the mind would follow …show more content…
In Confucian philosophy, filial piety is the respect for one’s father, elders and ancestors. According to the Classic of Filial Piety, Confucius once said: “In serving his parents, a filial son reveres them in daily life; he makes them happy while he nourishes them; he takes anxious care of them in sickness; he shows great sorrow over their death that was for him; and he sacrifices to them with solemnity.” While the seasonal sacrifice in its entirety is a showcase of complete deference and obedience to one’s parents- the symbolic nature of food and wine offerings cannot be overlooked. Food and drink has traditionally been emblems of sustenance, and to have such a wide variety so carefully prepared and arranged is in part a way in which reverence is shown, not so much felt. Similarly, devotion to one’s parents can be taken apart in a larger context to mean devotion to one’s state and ruler. Confucius advised his students that if they would “show solicitude for parents at the end of their lives and continue this with sacrifices when they are far away,” then “the people’s virtue will be restored to fullness.” He believed that if people could perform their familial roles properly, they would in turn be able to perform their roles in society and government appropriately. To