History
Full of great quality information about China's distant past; it's history. There is information about Ancient Chinese religions and beliefs, warfare and their lifestyle. It explains the different types of religions, the Armour and procedure when in battle. There is also information about the Ancient Chinese way of life.
Religions And Beliefs
![Picture](/uploads/4/0/9/8/40981309/1722470.jpg?229)
China has been a multi-religion country since the ancient times. It is well known that Confucianism is an indigenous religion and is the soul of Chinese culture, which enjoyed popular support among people and even became the guiding ideology for feudalism society, but it did not develop into a national belief. It makes the culture more tolerant to others, thus, many other religions have been brought into the country in different dynasties, but none of them developed powerful enough in the history and they only provide diverse people more spiritual support.
Buddhism
Originating in China approximately 2,000 years ago, Buddhism was adopted quickly by a majority of Chinese people. It was divided into three sections, namely the Han, Tibetan and Southern Buddhism. Different culture and a different religion came with Buddhism. It influences the local culture on three main aspects: literature, art and ideology. Buddhist ideas and stone statues feature in the writing of poems which promoted its influence. It also promotes the countries’ intercultural communications with foreign countries. Buddhism was introduced into Japan when Jianzhen traveled to Japan between 618 and 907 BC. When another emperor, Xuanzang went to India, he retrieved plenty of information on the national language of the countries he had visited.
Buddhism
Originating in China approximately 2,000 years ago, Buddhism was adopted quickly by a majority of Chinese people. It was divided into three sections, namely the Han, Tibetan and Southern Buddhism. Different culture and a different religion came with Buddhism. It influences the local culture on three main aspects: literature, art and ideology. Buddhist ideas and stone statues feature in the writing of poems which promoted its influence. It also promotes the countries’ intercultural communications with foreign countries. Buddhism was introduced into Japan when Jianzhen traveled to Japan between 618 and 907 BC. When another emperor, Xuanzang went to India, he retrieved plenty of information on the national language of the countries he had visited.
![Picture](/uploads/4/0/9/8/40981309/1190339.jpg?201)
Confucianism
Han Buddhism: With 8,400 temples and 50 thousand monks, it is the largest branch on the mainland. Tibetan Buddhism: As the second large sect, it has 3,000 temples and 120 thousand monks. Southern Buddhism: Having 8,000 monks and 1,600 temples, this sect has the smallest scale.
Confucianism, not a real religion, is just an ethical and philosophical system, which developed from Confucuis’ thoughts and later was treated as a kind of belief to educate common people. It obtained its stable position under the reign of Emperor Wu of Han Dynasty (202BC-220AD), and became the ideology of the society in the feudal system since then. Based on the Four Books and Five Classics, the traditions and principles in the Confucianism played an important role in the formation of Chinese people’s thinking patterns and teaching methods. For instance, Doctrine of the Mean can be seen on communications among people. Now, to some extent, where Chinese people stay or live, there will be Confucianism.
Confucianism has worldwide influence. In many countries and regions of the world such as the UK and USA, branches of Confucius Institutes were established in the recent years to spread Chinese culture and expand the language. In China, you can find many Confucius temples, which is an important place for the candidates for important exams. In Beijing, They hang some red wooden plates with lucky words in the Confucius Temple in the hope of gaining high marks and a good future.'
Han Buddhism: With 8,400 temples and 50 thousand monks, it is the largest branch on the mainland. Tibetan Buddhism: As the second large sect, it has 3,000 temples and 120 thousand monks. Southern Buddhism: Having 8,000 monks and 1,600 temples, this sect has the smallest scale.
Confucianism, not a real religion, is just an ethical and philosophical system, which developed from Confucuis’ thoughts and later was treated as a kind of belief to educate common people. It obtained its stable position under the reign of Emperor Wu of Han Dynasty (202BC-220AD), and became the ideology of the society in the feudal system since then. Based on the Four Books and Five Classics, the traditions and principles in the Confucianism played an important role in the formation of Chinese people’s thinking patterns and teaching methods. For instance, Doctrine of the Mean can be seen on communications among people. Now, to some extent, where Chinese people stay or live, there will be Confucianism.
Confucianism has worldwide influence. In many countries and regions of the world such as the UK and USA, branches of Confucius Institutes were established in the recent years to spread Chinese culture and expand the language. In China, you can find many Confucius temples, which is an important place for the candidates for important exams. In Beijing, They hang some red wooden plates with lucky words in the Confucius Temple in the hope of gaining high marks and a good future.'
![Picture](/uploads/4/0/9/8/40981309/3325894.jpg?208)
Taoism
Taoism, with more than 1,800 years’ history originated in the Warring Period and came into being in Eastern Han Dynasty (25 - 220). Now about 300 Taoist Temples are scattered around China, in which about 30 thousand Taoists lived in. Around 5 Taoist schools exist in the country and two main sections are included in Taoism. In the 1,800 years, Taoism influenced the local culture deeply, especially on traditional medicine and literature. Based on some theories of alchemists such as Wei Boyang in Eastern Han Dynasty, different kinds of medicine prescriptions were created by Sun Simiao and many other doctors. In literature, many fictional characters are closely related with Taoism, such as the Jade Emperor. Apart from Mainland China, many Taoists live in Hong Kong, Macau and some foreign countries.
Taoism, with more than 1,800 years’ history originated in the Warring Period and came into being in Eastern Han Dynasty (25 - 220). Now about 300 Taoist Temples are scattered around China, in which about 30 thousand Taoists lived in. Around 5 Taoist schools exist in the country and two main sections are included in Taoism. In the 1,800 years, Taoism influenced the local culture deeply, especially on traditional medicine and literature. Based on some theories of alchemists such as Wei Boyang in Eastern Han Dynasty, different kinds of medicine prescriptions were created by Sun Simiao and many other doctors. In literature, many fictional characters are closely related with Taoism, such as the Jade Emperor. Apart from Mainland China, many Taoists live in Hong Kong, Macau and some foreign countries.
Islam
Being introduced into China in the 7th century in Tang Dynasty, Islam has more than 1,400 years’ history in the country. Now, Muslims live everywhere, but the highest concentrations are Ningxia Hui Autonosmous Region, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Gansu Province and even Qinghai Province. Sunni Islam was the main branch worshipped by almost all the Muslims in the country.
Being introduced into China in the 7th century in Tang Dynasty, Islam has more than 1,400 years’ history in the country. Now, Muslims live everywhere, but the highest concentrations are Ningxia Hui Autonosmous Region, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Gansu Province and even Qinghai Province. Sunni Islam was the main branch worshipped by almost all the Muslims in the country.
Christianity
Christianity was first introduced to China in Tang Dynasty, which was named as Nestorianism during that time. After 1840, they swept the country. Although they were suspended after 1949, it spread fast in recent years. Now about 30 million Chinese people are Christians, who are organized in about 97 parishes. Most of Christians gather in the south part of the country.
In addition to the five main religions, Chinese people have some other traditional folk beliefs. More than 200 million people believe the existence of the ancestors’ souls and worship them, while about 700 million have taken part in the activities to worship their ancestors or related activities. About 150 million people believe in Fengshui theory and 140 million people believe in God of Wealth. Chinese Astrology is very popular and many people think the sign can decide one’s characters and future. Thus, it is obvious that the traditional folk belief has a wide foundation among the local people. Now, more and more Chinese people are fond of constellation in western culture. In the beginning of a new year, some people will watch some fortune telling programs to see whether they can succeed in the next year and learn how to avoid back luck.
Warfare
Before the states of China were united, each state had its own territory and own military for defence. After the states were unified, a better established army was organised. Even though the states were united, emperors were still hungry for more territory and a need for an army that was used to conquer and claim neighbouring lands. For many centuries, Mongol tribes were attempting to attack China in the north and much of its military was involved with defending Chinese lands.
The army
China was frequently at war during the Han Dynasty. Not only was China at war, it was also threatened frequently from north lying enemies. China's army was made up mainly of citizens who served in the army for a period of two years at some time in their lives. During times of peace, the army was deployed to conquer peoples and bring more land under Chinese rule.
Whilst the army would be on a specific military mission, there would always be an experienced officer present. But a junior officer would take charge for minor operations. The army was generally infantry during the Han Dynasty. Ahead of the infantry, an advance party of archers and horsemen were sent. The infantry were armed with spears and crossbows. There is no evidence to suggest that ancient Chinese soldiers fought in a particular formation.
Soldiers
During the Han Dynasty there was an obligation that all able men between the ages of 23 and 56 were to serve in the army far a period of two years. Therefore in Ancient China, there was always a mobilised fighting force. In emergency circumstances, some men were called upon to serve in the military, regardless if they had already served two years previously. In other cases, men who had already served their time as soldiers during peace time, of if they weren't needed for a campaign, were required to perform a guard duty. This was usually at specific points along the wall or in the cities.
Soldiers had a little or no status in society. They were obligated to provide their service for free, however they did receive food and equipment. Also provided was a uniform which they were required to wear. During war, most military were infantry.
Weapons
When in battle, Ancient China's armies used chariots and bronze weapons. But as weaponry and metalwork developed, iron weapons and cavalry were used. Weapons included bows and arrows and swords. In the fourth century BC, chariots became redundant as the the invention of the crossbow developed. The crossbow became a valuable weapon as it had a shooting range of about 200 metres and could pierce through armour.
Armour
When making armour, metal and leather were generally used. To create the armour, small pieces of metal and leather were overlapped and attached to cloth therefore providing protection and the ability to move. Lacquer was used to stiffen armour and to give extra strength. Dating from Han times, helmets were also worn.
Defence
China's northern frontier were often defended by the army to protect against enemy tribes. Some of these tribes posed a particular threat as many of the soldiers had grown up learning to fight and were competent horseback fighters. This was in contrast to China's army, many of whom had little formal training or experience in battle and who were only exposed to warfare when they were called up to serve their two years.
The army
China was frequently at war during the Han Dynasty. Not only was China at war, it was also threatened frequently from north lying enemies. China's army was made up mainly of citizens who served in the army for a period of two years at some time in their lives. During times of peace, the army was deployed to conquer peoples and bring more land under Chinese rule.
Whilst the army would be on a specific military mission, there would always be an experienced officer present. But a junior officer would take charge for minor operations. The army was generally infantry during the Han Dynasty. Ahead of the infantry, an advance party of archers and horsemen were sent. The infantry were armed with spears and crossbows. There is no evidence to suggest that ancient Chinese soldiers fought in a particular formation.
Soldiers
During the Han Dynasty there was an obligation that all able men between the ages of 23 and 56 were to serve in the army far a period of two years. Therefore in Ancient China, there was always a mobilised fighting force. In emergency circumstances, some men were called upon to serve in the military, regardless if they had already served two years previously. In other cases, men who had already served their time as soldiers during peace time, of if they weren't needed for a campaign, were required to perform a guard duty. This was usually at specific points along the wall or in the cities.
Soldiers had a little or no status in society. They were obligated to provide their service for free, however they did receive food and equipment. Also provided was a uniform which they were required to wear. During war, most military were infantry.
Weapons
When in battle, Ancient China's armies used chariots and bronze weapons. But as weaponry and metalwork developed, iron weapons and cavalry were used. Weapons included bows and arrows and swords. In the fourth century BC, chariots became redundant as the the invention of the crossbow developed. The crossbow became a valuable weapon as it had a shooting range of about 200 metres and could pierce through armour.
Armour
When making armour, metal and leather were generally used. To create the armour, small pieces of metal and leather were overlapped and attached to cloth therefore providing protection and the ability to move. Lacquer was used to stiffen armour and to give extra strength. Dating from Han times, helmets were also worn.
Defence
China's northern frontier were often defended by the army to protect against enemy tribes. Some of these tribes posed a particular threat as many of the soldiers had grown up learning to fight and were competent horseback fighters. This was in contrast to China's army, many of whom had little formal training or experience in battle and who were only exposed to warfare when they were called up to serve their two years.
Lifestyle Style & Homes
The Chinese world-view was very different from the Western world-view. The Ancient Chinese Heaven was a kind of universal force. Heaven chose the emperor to rule but it was a moral force. If the king or emperor were evil heaven would send natural disasters as a warning. If the emperor failed to heed the warnings heaven would withdraw its mandate. Social and political order would break down and there would be a revolution. Heaven would choose somebody else to rule.
Chinese culture was heavily influenced by a man named Kong-Fuzi, known in the West as Confucius. Kong-Fuzi taught that everybody should accept their role in life and duties towards others. Rulers had a duty to be benevolent while subjects should be respectful and obedient. Children should honor their parents and everybody should honor their ancestors. Kong-Fuzi also believed that rulers should set a good example for their people.
Most of all Kong-Fuzi taught consideration for others. At the heart of his teaching was 'ren' which is usually translated goodness or benevolence. Kong-Fuzi said 'do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself'. Kong-Fuzi also taught the importance of courtesy and moderation in all things. Kong-Fuzi also taught that women should submit to their father when young, to their husband when married and to their son if widowed. Later women in China were taught values such as humility, submissiveness and industry.
The religion of Taoism was founded in Ancient China. Confucianism was a system of ethics but Taoism is a religion. Taoists believe in the Tao, which means the way. The Tao is an indescribable force behind nature and all living things. Taoists believe in Wuwei or non-action, which means going with the natural flow or way of things like a stick being carried along on a stream. Taoism also teaches humility and compassion. Taoists worship a pantheon of gods. Buddhism reached China in the 1st Century AD
The Ancient Chinese also believed in Yin and Yang. They believed that all matter is made of 2 opposite and complimentary principles. Yin is feminine, soft, gentle, dark, receptive, yielding and wet. Yang is masculine, bright, hard, hot, active, dry and aggressive. Everything is a mixture of these 2 opposites. The ancient Chinese also believed there were 5 elements, wood, fire, earth, metal and water. During the Zhou period the Chinese art of acupuncture was invented.
Ancestor worship was an important part of life in Ancient China. Each family had a household shrine where they burned incense and made offerings. People believed the dead could help the living and prayed to them.
The Chinese also believed in ghosts. (People who died and had no descendants to care for them or who were neglected by their family).
Society in Ancient China
In a Chinese family the father had complete authority over his wife and children. A woman was ruled by her father, or by her husband or (if widowed) her son. Marriages were arranged by parents with the help of go-betweens and children had no say in the matter. However many wealthy men kept concubines.
Children were supposed to be obedient. In China male heirs were very important as they carried on the family. Girls were valued much less than boys and baby girls were often left outside to die or were drowned. In any case infant mortality was high. People would have many children but not all would live to adulthood.
Only boys went to school. There they learned the teachings of Confucius by heart. They also learned calligraphy. Of course, only a minority of boys went to school. Most did not. Instead they worked in the fields from an early age.
When they were 4 or 5 girls had their feet bound. Eventually the girl's feet became deformed so they had difficulty walking. However 'lily feet' were very attractive to men.
In Ancient China the upper class were officials called mandarins. To become a mandarin you had to pass certain exams. The exams were, in theory open to almost all men. However Chinese merchants were held in low esteem.
Farming in Ancient China
Life in Ancient China was hard and often short. Most farmers were very poor. They owned chickens and pigs and sometimes an ox or mule. In the North people grew crops of wheat or millet while in the South they grew rice. (Growing rice was backbreaking labor as the fields had to be irrigated and rice plants were planted by hand). In the 16th century new crops such as sweet potatoes, maize and peanuts were introduced.
Other crops included tea, sugar and cotton. (Ordinary women worked in their homes weaving cotton).
On the coast and on China's many rivers people fished. Cormorants were trained to catch fish but they had rings or cords around their throats to prevent them from swallowing the catch!
Rich people owned vast estates but they usually rented them out as parcels of land. Rich people preferred to live in towns and rarely dwelt in the countryside.
Food in Ancient China
The rich in Ancient China ate very well. They ate grains like rice, wheat and millet. They also ate plenty of meat including pork, chicken, duck, goose, pheasant and dog. Vegetables included yams, soya beans, broad beans and turnip as well as spring onions and garlic. They also ate plenty of fish. Soup was made with shark's fin, bird's nest, bears paws and sea slugs. People drank wine made from rice or millet. They also drank tea.
Poor people ate a boring diet. In the South they ate rice. In the North they ate wheat in the form of noodles, dumplings or pancakes. However famines occurred periodically and poor Chinese were lucky if they had enough to eat.
Weapons in Ancient China
Before 600 BC chariots dominated warfare in China. However after 600 BC cavalry began to replace chariots. Furthermore rulers began to raise large armies of infantry. Peasants were conscripted to provide them. About 500 BC a general called Sunzi wrote a book called the Art of War, which was the world's first military manual. About 400 BC the crossbow was invented in China.
Gunpowder was probably invented around the year 900 AD. It was used for rockets, grenades and bombs that were placed against the wooden gates of enemy cities.
Houses in Ancient China
Rich people lived in large wooden houses arranged around a courtyard. Roofs were typically of tiles and were built in a curved shape. However even in a rich house there was little furniture but rich people were very fond of their gardens.
Chinese culture was heavily influenced by a man named Kong-Fuzi, known in the West as Confucius. Kong-Fuzi taught that everybody should accept their role in life and duties towards others. Rulers had a duty to be benevolent while subjects should be respectful and obedient. Children should honor their parents and everybody should honor their ancestors. Kong-Fuzi also believed that rulers should set a good example for their people.
Most of all Kong-Fuzi taught consideration for others. At the heart of his teaching was 'ren' which is usually translated goodness or benevolence. Kong-Fuzi said 'do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself'. Kong-Fuzi also taught the importance of courtesy and moderation in all things. Kong-Fuzi also taught that women should submit to their father when young, to their husband when married and to their son if widowed. Later women in China were taught values such as humility, submissiveness and industry.
The religion of Taoism was founded in Ancient China. Confucianism was a system of ethics but Taoism is a religion. Taoists believe in the Tao, which means the way. The Tao is an indescribable force behind nature and all living things. Taoists believe in Wuwei or non-action, which means going with the natural flow or way of things like a stick being carried along on a stream. Taoism also teaches humility and compassion. Taoists worship a pantheon of gods. Buddhism reached China in the 1st Century AD
The Ancient Chinese also believed in Yin and Yang. They believed that all matter is made of 2 opposite and complimentary principles. Yin is feminine, soft, gentle, dark, receptive, yielding and wet. Yang is masculine, bright, hard, hot, active, dry and aggressive. Everything is a mixture of these 2 opposites. The ancient Chinese also believed there were 5 elements, wood, fire, earth, metal and water. During the Zhou period the Chinese art of acupuncture was invented.
Ancestor worship was an important part of life in Ancient China. Each family had a household shrine where they burned incense and made offerings. People believed the dead could help the living and prayed to them.
The Chinese also believed in ghosts. (People who died and had no descendants to care for them or who were neglected by their family).
Society in Ancient China
In a Chinese family the father had complete authority over his wife and children. A woman was ruled by her father, or by her husband or (if widowed) her son. Marriages were arranged by parents with the help of go-betweens and children had no say in the matter. However many wealthy men kept concubines.
Children were supposed to be obedient. In China male heirs were very important as they carried on the family. Girls were valued much less than boys and baby girls were often left outside to die or were drowned. In any case infant mortality was high. People would have many children but not all would live to adulthood.
Only boys went to school. There they learned the teachings of Confucius by heart. They also learned calligraphy. Of course, only a minority of boys went to school. Most did not. Instead they worked in the fields from an early age.
When they were 4 or 5 girls had their feet bound. Eventually the girl's feet became deformed so they had difficulty walking. However 'lily feet' were very attractive to men.
In Ancient China the upper class were officials called mandarins. To become a mandarin you had to pass certain exams. The exams were, in theory open to almost all men. However Chinese merchants were held in low esteem.
Farming in Ancient China
Life in Ancient China was hard and often short. Most farmers were very poor. They owned chickens and pigs and sometimes an ox or mule. In the North people grew crops of wheat or millet while in the South they grew rice. (Growing rice was backbreaking labor as the fields had to be irrigated and rice plants were planted by hand). In the 16th century new crops such as sweet potatoes, maize and peanuts were introduced.
Other crops included tea, sugar and cotton. (Ordinary women worked in their homes weaving cotton).
On the coast and on China's many rivers people fished. Cormorants were trained to catch fish but they had rings or cords around their throats to prevent them from swallowing the catch!
Rich people owned vast estates but they usually rented them out as parcels of land. Rich people preferred to live in towns and rarely dwelt in the countryside.
Food in Ancient China
The rich in Ancient China ate very well. They ate grains like rice, wheat and millet. They also ate plenty of meat including pork, chicken, duck, goose, pheasant and dog. Vegetables included yams, soya beans, broad beans and turnip as well as spring onions and garlic. They also ate plenty of fish. Soup was made with shark's fin, bird's nest, bears paws and sea slugs. People drank wine made from rice or millet. They also drank tea.
Poor people ate a boring diet. In the South they ate rice. In the North they ate wheat in the form of noodles, dumplings or pancakes. However famines occurred periodically and poor Chinese were lucky if they had enough to eat.
Weapons in Ancient China
Before 600 BC chariots dominated warfare in China. However after 600 BC cavalry began to replace chariots. Furthermore rulers began to raise large armies of infantry. Peasants were conscripted to provide them. About 500 BC a general called Sunzi wrote a book called the Art of War, which was the world's first military manual. About 400 BC the crossbow was invented in China.
Gunpowder was probably invented around the year 900 AD. It was used for rockets, grenades and bombs that were placed against the wooden gates of enemy cities.
Houses in Ancient China
Rich people lived in large wooden houses arranged around a courtyard. Roofs were typically of tiles and were built in a curved shape. However even in a rich house there was little furniture but rich people were very fond of their gardens.