A commemorative ceremony marking the 2,577th anniversary of the birth of Confucius took place on Monday in Qufu, the philosopher’s hometown situated in east China’s Shandong Province.
Confucius (551–479 BC) was a seminal educator and philosopher whose teachings established the foundations of Confucianism, profoundly shaping Chinese society and intellect across generations. A pioneer of inclusive education, he championed teaching students irrespective of their social backgrounds. The tradition of honoring Confucius dates back to 478 BC, just one year after his passing. Characterized by ancient melodies, ceremonial choreography, and traditional rituals, the ceremony highlights the core emphasis Confucian heritage places on decorum and reverence.
Marking the occasion, the 2026 China International Confucius Culture Festival and the 2026 Nishan Forum on World Civilizations also officially commenced on Monday.