The traditions of Confucianism have lasted continually over many eons.

Confucianism has existed everywhere in people's daily lives ever since it was adopted during Korea's ancient Three Kingdoms period (57 B.C.-A.D. 668). Pictured is the Seokjeonje rites being conducted at a Confucian school in Hamyang-eup, Hamyang-gun County, in South Gyeongsang Province on March 22.

The Seokjeongje is a ritual that is held at a Confucian school, or hyanggyo in Korean, in honor of Confucius. These educational institutes teach manners, etiquette and the ancient scriptures. During Joseon times (1392-1910), many of these schools received land for farming, study material and servants or slaves from the royal court. In return, the schools educated sons of noble families. However, in 1894, after some modernizing reforms, the Confucian schools lost their educational functions. Today, the rituals are held semiannually in the spring and autumn. An incense burning ceremony takes place on the first day of each lunar month and on a full moon day.

By Wi Tack-whan
Photos: Hamyang-gun County in South Gyeongsang Province
whan23@korea.kr