Question:
I am particularly interested in ancient Chinese culture, especially Confucianism. The Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period were times of war. There were frequent wars among the vassal states, and the borders of different states often changed. I know that Confucianism was born in this period. But where exactly was it from?
—– Asked by Schipper
Answer:
Confucianism originated in the State of Lu (鲁国), a vassal state of the Zhou dynasty. It covered the central and southern parts of present-day Shandong Province in China.
It became the birthplace of Confucianism because of the profound historical and cultural heritage, stable social environment, and the outstanding personal charisma of its founder, Confucius.
Firstly, the history of the State of Lu can be traced back to Bo Qin (伯禽), the son of the Duke of Zhou (周公). He adhered to The Rites of Zhou (周礼)1 and laid the foundation for the Lu State’s ritual and musical system.
Throughout its more than 800-year history, the State of Lu has always adhered to and developed this system, contributing to its harmonious development and preparing it for the establishment of Confucianism.
Secondly, the Lu’s economic prosperity strongly supported the flourishing of its culture, especially Confucianism.
With agriculture as its mainstay at the economic level, the Lu actively promoted agricultural production and commercial development. By reforming the land system, Lu succeeded in increasing farmers’ land income, improving agricultural productivity, and laying a solid foundation for the country’s economic growth.
At the same time, the diversification of its tax system also ensured stability and sustainable economic development.
After all, Confucius, the founder of Confucianism, was born in the State of Lu. He spent most of his life in Lu and formed his unique system of thought under the influence of the social, cultural, and political environment.
Meanwhile, most of Confucius’s disciples came from Lu. They inherited and developed Confucius’s thoughts, which gradually became a far-reaching school of thought, Confucianism.
Overall, thanks to its favorable political, economic, and cultural environment, the State of Lu nurtured and nourished Confucianism. Eventually, it took root in Lu and became a treasure of Chinese culture.
- The Rites of Zhou (周礼): a set of concrete and operational ritual and music systems defined at the beginning of the Zhou dynasty, and then he introduced the concept of “rites.” ↩︎
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