Religion, Belief, Values

Religion, Belief, Values


Religion played a great role in shaping the rule of those in power. The influences of the Han dynasty religions spread long after the dynasty had ended. Several forms of religion dominated China during the Han period, including Ancient Worship, Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Ancient Worship was created long before the Han dynasty but, some parts still practiced it. The emperor worshiped his ancestors through costly burials, and families all throughout China made ritual sacrifices not only to the deities and spirits but also to their ancestors. The emperor was expected to revere Heaven and Earth, the Great Unity and the deities and spirits of the seasons. It was a tradition for the emperor to climb Mount Tai to give offerings to Heaven and Earth.Taoism however was the main religion of the Han dynasty. Taoism emphasized living in harmony with the Tao. Buddhism was also a popular religion in the Han dynasty around 1st Century CE. Confucianism, on the other hand, was more of a philosophy rather than a Han dynasty religion but it also ruled China for almost 2000 years. It was during the Han dynasty that China first embraced Confucianism. Despite it not being a religion, it became one of the most important ideological beliefs during that era.

Works Cited:

RELIGIONS OF ANCIENT CHINA CONFUCIANISM AND TAOISM. 2012. Photograph. Tradebit: The Digital MarketplaceWeb. 7 Oct 2012. <http://www.tradebit.com/filedetail.php/116873126-religions-of-ancient-china-confucianism-and-taoism>.