Chinese Tradition
1. INTRODUCTION
“ While parents are alive, one must not travel afar.
If one must, one’s whereabouts should always be made known”
- Analects, Book II: Li Ren 19
The idea of filial piety has always remained as a significant part of Chinese tradition from ancient China and even till today’s times. It stands not only as a mere concept but more so, something that was an “absolute, metaphysical entity, something so exalted in (ancient Chinese’s) minds” (Holzman, 1998). Perhaps the idea of filial piety can be traced back to Confucius, who emphasized the importance of family ties (Stole & De Vos, 1998). IThe quote above gives us a glimpse of the idea of filial piety – that one should stay close to his parents (perhaps to provide the necessary care and service that his parents need, and that one should also always be accountable to his parents. Throughout China’s history, many stories have surfaced that reflects filial piety, mostly reflecting acts of sacrifice of one’s self for the sake of his parents. One of the more popularized stories of filial piety includes that of Hua Mulan, who served the army on behalf of her aging father. Another story that is well known and very much connected to a Chinese festival is that of Mu Lian, who had to pass through many obstacles in order to save his starving mother in hell. His bravery and piety eventually touched the heart of Buddha, who eventually intervened and allowed Mu Lian to provide relief for his mother. Countless other stories of filial piety that are not necessarily well-known or popularized also exist across ancient China, evident through the archaeological findings that shed light on the ways in which filial piety exists as an integral part of everyday life. In this essay, certain exhibits displayed within the Asian Civilization Museum that portray the idea of filial piety as significant in normative lifestyles will be examined. More interestingly, filial piety is portrayed not only in everyday life, but extends even to
“ While parents are alive, one must not travel afar.
If one must, one’s whereabouts should always be made known”
- Analects, Book II: Li Ren 19
The idea of filial piety has always remained as a significant part of Chinese tradition from ancient China and even till today’s times. It stands not only as a mere concept but more so, something that was an “absolute, metaphysical entity, something so exalted in (ancient Chinese’s) minds” (Holzman, 1998). Perhaps the idea of filial piety can be traced back to Confucius, who emphasized the importance of family ties (Stole & De Vos, 1998). IThe quote above gives us a glimpse of the idea of filial piety – that one should stay close to his parents (perhaps to provide the necessary care and service that his parents need, and that one should also always be accountable to his parents. Throughout China’s history, many stories have surfaced that reflects filial piety, mostly reflecting acts of sacrifice of one’s self for the sake of his parents. One of the more popularized stories of filial piety includes that of Hua Mulan, who served the army on behalf of her aging father. Another story that is well known and very much connected to a Chinese festival is that of Mu Lian, who had to pass through many obstacles in order to save his starving mother in hell. His bravery and piety eventually touched the heart of Buddha, who eventually intervened and allowed Mu Lian to provide relief for his mother. Countless other stories of filial piety that are not necessarily well-known or popularized also exist across ancient China, evident through the archaeological findings that shed light on the ways in which filial piety exists as an integral part of everyday life. In this essay, certain exhibits displayed within the Asian Civilization Museum that portray the idea of filial piety as significant in normative lifestyles will be examined. More interestingly, filial piety is portrayed not only in everyday life, but extends even to
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