ey were not expected to understand it full, but since they memorized they would create a mind-set that would deepen in significance, as they grew older. It would make them contemplate its meaning and discovering how it applied to their own lives for the rest of their lives. The Analects has remained to be on eof the most read writings all around the world because through young adulthood, middle age, and old age, one comes to understand Confucius' words more fully and appreciate their importance.RITES/RITUALSFamily RitualsThe emperor was the chief priest of the nation, and every father of a family that lived within were also priests. Tablets with their ancestors' names were kept in shrines within their house. It was the duty of these priests to report family matters and to make sacrifices to these shrines. His eldest son or wife sometimes assisted him, but only the father could identify the ancestors by name.Larger homes typically contained offering hall located east of the main room. The offering was also used for events, such as a marriage or a child's achieving adulthood.In later centuries, foreign travelers noted that virtually every home in China possessed a copy of Zhu Xi's book. From the 13th to the 20th centuries, it served as a household guide to ritual and belief. It was also used in Vietnam, Korea, and Japan.BirthsThe different treatment of boys and girls began at birth. As soon as possible children were taught to show proper behavior and show respect to their elders. When the children were old enough to eat should be given food and taught to use their right hands in eating. When they were old enough to walk they should be taught their names and greetings. When they failed to behave properly, they must be scolded and warned not to act like that again. At the age of six, they were taught words for numbers and directions. Boys were learning how to write and girls were taught simple women's work. Both boys and girls were both tau...
