Culture
The Chinese had many various religions and cultures, but in the Shang Dynasty there was a main way of life. Their religion focused on ancestor worship. We know that they thought there was a life, even after death, because there were many treasures in the tombs of their deceased kings and rulers. Family members offered many things like wine or food to their dead, sometimes giving own human lives.
Why, you ask?
The Chinese people believed that your dead ancestors are powerful beings that could either help you or hurt you. So the Shang people felt it very necessary to honor them with offerings. This was very important to the rulers of the Chinese dynasties. His relationships with these ancestral spirits was very crucial. The rulers only had their power because it came from powerful ancestors. They needed to carry out the wishes of those family members as one of their responsibilities in order to keep his rule.
The kings used a special technique to ask the previous dead rulers questions that they had. They used oracle bones to ask for advice. They used these for a range of matters like where to hunt, where to build new cities, or if they should go to war or not. Turtle shells and cow shoulder blades were used to make these oracle bones. A holy man would write a statement on the bone, and then would place a hot needle on the back of the bone. Then the bone would crack. The pattern of the crack was analyzed and decoded to form a message from the dead. Then, the man might write that message from the crack on the bone.
Why, you ask?
The Chinese people believed that your dead ancestors are powerful beings that could either help you or hurt you. So the Shang people felt it very necessary to honor them with offerings. This was very important to the rulers of the Chinese dynasties. His relationships with these ancestral spirits was very crucial. The rulers only had their power because it came from powerful ancestors. They needed to carry out the wishes of those family members as one of their responsibilities in order to keep his rule.
The kings used a special technique to ask the previous dead rulers questions that they had. They used oracle bones to ask for advice. They used these for a range of matters like where to hunt, where to build new cities, or if they should go to war or not. Turtle shells and cow shoulder blades were used to make these oracle bones. A holy man would write a statement on the bone, and then would place a hot needle on the back of the bone. Then the bone would crack. The pattern of the crack was analyzed and decoded to form a message from the dead. Then, the man might write that message from the crack on the bone.
Ancient China also had three philosophies that came out of the troublesome times of China. There philosophies were a part of everyday life for everyone. They are called Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism.
CONFUCIANISM
Confucianism was based upon the beliefs and teachings of a man called Confucius by westerners but is actually named Kongfuzi. He believed that people learned and taught by example. He also thought that a just and peaceful society was best. People acted based upon their relationship with others along with their role.
According to this philosophy, there are five different basic relationships:
~ruler and subject
~husband and wife
~father and son
~older sibling and younger sibling
~friend and friend
Everybody must have respect for and obey anyone that is higher in rank than you yourself. Elders must have great respect. Also, people like parents and rulers must set a good example for others. The “golden rule” comes from this way of life.
Confucianism was based upon the beliefs and teachings of a man called Confucius by westerners but is actually named Kongfuzi. He believed that people learned and taught by example. He also thought that a just and peaceful society was best. People acted based upon their relationship with others along with their role.
According to this philosophy, there are five different basic relationships:
~ruler and subject
~husband and wife
~father and son
~older sibling and younger sibling
~friend and friend
Everybody must have respect for and obey anyone that is higher in rank than you yourself. Elders must have great respect. Also, people like parents and rulers must set a good example for others. The “golden rule” comes from this way of life.
DAOISM
Daoism, like Confucianism, believed in giving answers with good government and right living. This philosiphy was founded by Laozi. Some think he is just a legend and others say he was a real man. He believed in living a simple, basic life.
The idea that Daoism was based on is the Dao, or “The Way”. Harmony or agreement gave people much happiness and peace in this way of life. Things must have a balance. Simply, there cannot be weakness without a strength, and there cannot be dark without a light. Balancing yin and yang, the opposite forces of nature, can cause true harmony.
You know how you see old Chinese people meditating? That’s what these people did. They believed that they needed to be in peace and accent whatever comes their way. They despise feelings of greed, want, and power. They believe that too many laws and rules ruin and get in the way of living naturally. The best rulers are the rulers who ruled the least.
Daoism, like Confucianism, believed in giving answers with good government and right living. This philosiphy was founded by Laozi. Some think he is just a legend and others say he was a real man. He believed in living a simple, basic life.
The idea that Daoism was based on is the Dao, or “The Way”. Harmony or agreement gave people much happiness and peace in this way of life. Things must have a balance. Simply, there cannot be weakness without a strength, and there cannot be dark without a light. Balancing yin and yang, the opposite forces of nature, can cause true harmony.
You know how you see old Chinese people meditating? That’s what these people did. They believed that they needed to be in peace and accent whatever comes their way. They despise feelings of greed, want, and power. They believe that too many laws and rules ruin and get in the way of living naturally. The best rulers are the rulers who ruled the least.
LEGALISM
Legalism -- oh boy -- is basically the total opposite of Confucianism and Daoism, which believe in peace and working well with others. Legalism is cruel, hard, and mean. Wait… hold on, it’s not THAT bad!
Legalism was founded by a man named Hanfeizi. He gave very different answers to solving problems of order and good government. He believed that all people in this world were created naturally selfish. They always seek their own self-interests. It was not good enough for rulers to just set a good example. He thought that numerous rules and laws were necessary to have a good, orderly empire or kingdom. There will be rewards for good behavior and horrible, harsh punishments for bad behavior.
Hanfeizi said, “He who trusts will be controlled by others.”
Legalism -- oh boy -- is basically the total opposite of Confucianism and Daoism, which believe in peace and working well with others. Legalism is cruel, hard, and mean. Wait… hold on, it’s not THAT bad!
Legalism was founded by a man named Hanfeizi. He gave very different answers to solving problems of order and good government. He believed that all people in this world were created naturally selfish. They always seek their own self-interests. It was not good enough for rulers to just set a good example. He thought that numerous rules and laws were necessary to have a good, orderly empire or kingdom. There will be rewards for good behavior and horrible, harsh punishments for bad behavior.
Hanfeizi said, “He who trusts will be controlled by others.”