China celebrates 2575 years since Confucius' birth
Grand festive events dedicated to celebration of the birthday of ancient Chinese philosopher and teacher Confucius have begun in the eastern Chinese province of Shandong, Kazinform News Agency reports.
After a special opening ceremony, musical and dance performances were organized in the Temple of Confucius, as well as readings of Confucian classics were held.
The ceremony of honoring Confucius is included in the list of intangible cultural heritage of China.
Confucius was born in 551 BC in the city of Qufu in Shandong Province, deemed to be a place of pilgrimage for the followers of ancient Chinese wisdom. Confucius' teachings are known as Confucianism.
Confucianism plays a significant role in public life and academic research in the countries of Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia.
More than 550 Confucius institutes are functioning in many countries of the world.
