Mourning and Burial Customs: Confucianism and Taoism

The Research Institution of Confucianism in China. (kanegen/flickr)

"The job of coordinating and preparing the Chinese funerals of elders falls on children or younger family members. It is part of the Confucian principle of filial piety, devotion to one’s parents."

Confucian Practices

"Aside from its important ethical principles, Confucianism does not prescribe any specific rituals or practices.

These are filled by the practices of Chinese religion, Taoism, Buddhism, or other religion which Confucians follow."

Rites and Rituals of Taoism

"Taoist rituals involve purification, meditation and offerings to deities. The details of Taoist rituals are often highly complex and technical and therefore left to the priests, with the congregation playing little part. The rituals involve the priest (and assistants) in chanting and playing instruments (particularly wind and percussion), and also dancing."

Center of Traditional Taoist Studies

"Taoism's religious practices build a bridge between one's earthly human form and the heavens."

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