Understanding of Confucian Filial Piety

The Confucian concept of filial piety is the biggest cultural feature that distinguishes the Chinese nation from other nations in the world. At the same time, the concept of filial piety also has a process of constant change and development. During the Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties, filial piety was manifested as the concept of ancestor worship in traditional religions, which played a role in maintaining clan unity and coordinating interpersonal relationships. During the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, Confucianism, represented by Confucius, made a new interpretation of the filial piety thought in traditional religions, which changed it from a religious ethics of piety and respect to a philosophy of life reflecting family life. From religious sacrificial activities to family norms that go deep into society. After Qin and Han Dynasties, feudal rulers exaggerated the extended meaning of filial piety-"ruling the world with filial piety", making it a national political philosophy, which on the one hand concealed the essence of class state, on the other hand distorted the meaning of filial piety ethics itself. In modern civil society, the family still plays the social function of "raising children and preventing old age". Therefore, the Confucian concept of filial piety has returned to its original meaning and is still a valuable cultural resource.

China culture has always attached importance to filial piety. Since modern times, China culture has been strongly impacted by western culture, and great changes have taken place. However, filial piety is still recognized by Chinese all over the world and is regarded as the biggest feature that distinguishes the Chinese nation from other nations. If we look at the evolution of filial piety from a historical perspective, it is not difficult to find that filial piety, like other human morals, has a process of emergence, development and change. It is precisely because the Confucian concept of filial piety is a living and ever-changing theory that reflects the law of human development, so it will certainly be able to adapt to the needs of modern social development and play a positive social role.