Ancient Chinese religion and ways of thinking were based around four different belief systems; Taoism, Confucianism, Buddhism and Ancestor worship.
Taoism: Taoism was founded in the 6th century by Lao Tzu. He wrote all his beliefs down in his book called a Tao Te Ching. He didn't believe in some rules or the Governments decisions. Taoism is very different to Confucius.
Yin Yang comes from Taoism. The people believed that most things in nature have 2 balancing forces Yin and Yang.
Taoism: Taoism was founded in the 6th century by Lao Tzu. He wrote all his beliefs down in his book called a Tao Te Ching. He didn't believe in some rules or the Governments decisions. Taoism is very different to Confucius.
Yin Yang comes from Taoism. The people believed that most things in nature have 2 balancing forces Yin and Yang.
Confucianism: Confucius was born in 551 BC. Confucius grew up to be a philosopher. Confucius was a thinker and came up with ways people should behave and live. Confucius never wrote anything down that he said but his followers did. Confucius’ focus was that everyone would be treated with politeness, respect and fairness. He believed in social order and that peace in society would occour when people knew their place.
Buddhism: Buddhism spread through China between 1 AD and 100 AD. Buddhists believe that living a good and proper life would allow the persons soul to enter Nirvana after death. They also believed in karma which means that all actions have consequences and that people suffer when they want for things and only when they stop wanting things that they will be happy.
Ancestor worship: Family was at the center of Ancient Chinese society. Family meant relatives that were alive, dead as well as future generations. Respect was given to past generations and people would prey to the spirits of their ancestors for help and guidance. Offerings were made to dead relatives at the alter in Chinese homes. The family name was very important and because it was carried on through the men, it was important to have sons.