Confucius is possibly China’s most renowned, influential and respected figure of all time.The philosophy and words of wisdom he left behind continue educating people from all walks of life all around the world to this day. 

Since the first Confucian Temple was established in Qufu in 478 BC, the year of his death, thousands of Confucian temples have been set upin China and abroad.

Of the categories of Confucius temples, the lesser known family temples are the only ones used for enshrining Confucius and his offspring. There are only two temples of this type in existence; one is located at Confucius’s former home in Qufu, and the other in Quzhou, Zhejiang province, East China. 

The family temple in Quzhou was built in 1136.It is said a descendant of Confucius followed in the footsteps of the emperor southward, carrying wooden statues of Confucius from Qufu all the way to Quzhou to construct the temple. Upon its establishment, the Quzhou temple became a center of education and wisdom, attracting Confucius scholars and playing an important role in bringing education to ordinary people in the south.

The Confucius memorial ceremony heldevery year originated from ancient times when the descendant and his students paid respect to Confucius and his teachings. The eventhas become a cultural legacy of the Chinese people. The style of the ceremony is divided between Quzhou and Qufu. 

[Photo from en.gotohz.com]