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The Cult of Ancestors in China & Its Portrayal on Donghua

If you ever watched a cultivation donghua, you surely came across protagonists paying homage to their ancestors. Much like the previous topic, this comes from deep-rooted beliefs that have shaped society for millennia.

In ancient China, ancestors were remembered and revered. Cared for as family members who had passed on, and praised as powerful spirits who could influence the living - and this reverence did not come light-hearted. It was believed these spirits could both bless their descendants, while also demand accountability.

If a family fell into decline, it was often seen as a sign that the ancestors were displeased. The living had to maintain harmony, respect traditions, and uphold the family's honor - or risk divine retribution!

So the practice of this cult was central to family life. Every household, no matter how humble, had a space dedicated to honouring their forebears. Wealthy families built elaborate ancestral halls, while poorer families might have a simple altar in a corner, limiting themselves to a couple of previous generations. For example, the hero of the donghua Jian Lai has the tablets of his parents right on the table.

These spaces, both symbolic and sacred, received offerings of fruit, incense, and candles to ensure the ancestors' spirits remained content and benevolent.

Donghua-wise, this idea of ancestral power and familial duty is everywhere. Characters often talk about 魂魄 (hun po) - the dual souls that make up a person's spirit. The ethereal soul (魂 - "hun") ascends to heaven after death, while the earthly soul (魄 - "po") remains tied to the body. If not properly honoured, these souls could become restless or even malevolent.

And there's more: soul fragments of powerful people often linger in the world and give instructions to heroes. Negative characters control evil spirits or use them to increase their power.

As the ancient Chinese proverb says, "everything has a soul", so in the fantasy genre, spirits do not only belong to people.

For example, in Soul Land, they hunt for the souls of great beasts that can significantly strengthen the cultivator.

So in a world where the past shapes the present, there's nothing more righteous for a protagonist than honouring their lineage. This, of course, while striving to become an ancestor themselves, forging a legacy that future generations will honour. Their ambitions don't end in unrivaled power or freedom; they're guardians of tradition!

The existence of spirits/souls on par with the existence of people, the connection between the other world and the world of the living, a connection with ancestral roots which has always been a strong and very dear concept to this day.

Confucianism in Donghua: The Hierarchy of Seniors and Juniors

Ever wonder why donghua protagonists are always bowing to elders or addressing them with so much reverence? More than respect, it's Confucianism in action.

Confucius, the guy who basically shaped Chinese social structure for over 2,000 years, believed harmony comes from knowing your place, whether in family, society, or the world at large. He lived in a time of chaos and civil strife, so his whole philosophy was about bringing order through hierarchy.

At the heart of it are the Five Key Relationships:

Now, apply this to donghua, and suddenly things make sense. Elders aren't just old, they command respect. Juniors aren't just learning, they owe obedience. Even rebellious protagonists, like Wang Lin in Renegade Immortal (Xian Ni), still bow to his teacher(s), honor his parents, and follow tradition because in Confucian thought, respecting those above you is the foundation of morality.

Step out of line? You risk chaos.

This is why in donghua, you see so much emphasis on titles, seniority, and hierarchy, it's baked into the culture, the storytelling, and the very idea of what it means to be "righteous."

Delving into details:

Respect for Parents and Teachers

In Confucianism, parents are sacred. Children are expected to care for them their entire lives, fulfill their wishes, and even sacrifice their own happiness for their sake. This idea is so ingrained that even emperors had to honour their parents, no matter how powerful they became.

Teachers are no less important! As the saying goes, - 日为师，终生为父 (yi ri wei shi, zhong sheng wei fu) - "He who teaches me for a day is my father for life." In donghua, this is often shown through ceremonial bows, kneeling, and unwavering obedience. Even when protagonists defy their clans or sects, they rarely disrespect their mentors.

The Generation Gap

Confucian society is structured around beifen (辈分), the order of seniority by generation. But it doesn't have to be necessarily age-related - it all boils down to status, respect, and power.

This system is reflected in the way characters address each other. Elders are called qianbei (前辈), a term of respect for those of a higher generation. Meanwhile, juniors are often dismissed as xiaobei (小辈), a term that can sound downright condescending in the wrong context.

Behavior and Status

In Confucian thought, hierarchy is a way of life. Your place in it dictates how you behave, and stepping out of line? That's a big deal.

Juniors are expected to show humility: heads bowed, eyes lowered, never walking in front of their elders. You'll see this in donghua all the time, whether it's a disciple greeting their master, a clan member showing respect, or even sworn brothers establishing their rank.

Even family titles follow a strict order.

In English, an "uncle" is just an uncle. In Chinese? Your father's older brother and younger brother have completely different names, same with aunts, cousins, even twins! Birth order matters: older siblings always rank above younger ones, and yes, that hierarchy applies even if you're only minutes apart.

This structure even extends beyond blood ties. In Swallowed Star, Luo Feng, Hong, and Lei Shen become sworn brothers, and they immediately establish ranking:

This kind of strict ranking shows up everywhere in cultivation stories. Even when power outweighs age, etiquette remains.

Qin Chen (Martial Master) might be an overpowered monster, but he still addresses his elders properly because no matter how strong he gets, the rules of respect still apply (at least outwardly).

Now, how does all this translate into donghua?

Confucian values aren't background noise, they drive the entire plot. Avenging parents? That's filial piety. A disciple rebelling against their sect? That's breaking hierarchy. A clan elder asserting dominance? That's the chain of authority at work.

So next time you see a character addressing an elder with exaggerated politeness, don't brush it off as empty formalities. It's a reflection of an ancient system that still shapes storytelling today.

Confucianism in Donghua: The Power of Families and Clans

In ancient China, family was everything. It was the foundation of society, and Confucianism made sure of that.

At the core of it all? Filial piety. Sons not only were expected to respect their parents as they also stayed home, took care of them until death, and continued honouring them long after. The eldest son became head of the family, while younger siblings and their descendants formed subordinate branches. Over time, these branches grew into massive clans, controlling entire regions, industries, and sometimes even military power.

These clans were like mini-kingdoms. They had their own rules, rituals, and internal hierarchies. They handled property disputes, punishments, even criminal cases. The clan leader's word was law, but so was his responsibility. And if someone messed up the whole clan could suffer.

Punishment could extend up to the ninth degree of kinship (yes, that means your distant cousins could get caught in the fallout). This was more than just about personal shame, the individual was nothing compared to the family.

How This Shows Up in Donghua:

Clans in cultivation stories having their own strict hierarchies and brutal consequences is directly pulled from real historical Confucian influence.

Family problems? Stay in the family. Outsiders have no right to interfere (家事 – "family affairs"). Break away or betray the clan? Expect severe consequences, no matter how justified. Even illegitimate childrenmight be recorded in the family register (家谱), but only if the clan head allows it.

This is why donghua characters often struggle against their own clans.

If they fight back they're labeled as rebels. If they try to get outside help it's seen as an insult to the entire family. Even the most powerful protagonists, like Qin Chen from Martial Master, still have to navigate these rigid structures carefully to avoid being branded as traitors.

So next time you see a clan elder flexing their authority or a protagonist struggling against family traditions, remember, it's not just for drama's sake. It's a reflection of how deeply Confucian values shaped power, loyalty, and even survival. In light of this, here are some points worth stressing out:

The Sacred Space of Ancestral Altars

In many cultures, aside from being a sacred space, altars are homes for ancestral spirits, a bridge between the living and the departed. These shrines take on various forms, shaped by both affordability and personal preference. Some are simple altar tables, while others are intricate cabinets or elaborate miniature homes, meticulously designed to mirror clan estates.

The purpose? To provide spirits with a place of comfort and familiarity, a sanctuary that feels like home even in the afterlife.

Many of these altars were works of art, with intricate carvings of mythical creatures, wise Confucian masters, and auspicious symbols adorning their surfaces, each detail steeped in meaning and immense responsibility. Damaging an ancestral tablet was among the gravest offences, believed to harm the soul of the deceased and sever the bond between the past and present.

While modern interpretations have shifted, the significance of these sacred spaces remains undeniable. They serve as a testament to lineage, a physical embodiment of heritage and family unity. In moments of grief or uncertainty, they offer solace and grounding, a quiet reminder that we are part of something greater, an unbroken chain of those who came before us.

Whether practiced by the young or the old, frequently or only on special occasions, ancestor worship transcends time. Some seek blessings of health, wealth, or protection, while others simply honor their roots. But at its core, it is about staying connected, acknowledging the sacrifices of those who paved the way for our existence. Some even believe that within these rituals lies the ability to tap into the collective wisdom of generations past.

No matter how it is expressed, one truth remains: love and gratitude endure. In honoring our ancestors, we reaffirm our place in this world, not just as individuals, but as part of an everlasting legacy.

Core Philosophies

We mentioned Confucianism, but there are others just as important philosophies which also take on a religious nature: Daoism (a modern version of Taoism) and Buddhism.

So, what is Daoism (Taoism)? It's a Chinese philosophical and religious tradition that emphasizes:

Core Texts & Figures:

1. Laozi (Lao Tzu) – wrote the Dao De Jing, the foundational text.
2. Zhuangzi – expanded on Daoist thought with wild, dreamlike stories.

Philosophical Daoism -> Focus on personal harmony & nature.

Religious Daoism -> Includes deities, rituals, alchemy, and immortality practices.

Now if we look at the main differences between this school of thought and Confucianism, Daoism goes with the flow of life, whereas Confucianism defends a social structure based on rules, respect, and discipline.

And of course, the widely known Buddhism, which in all its complexity we'll leave as is.

The Clan in Modern Donghua

Being deeply ingrained in Chinese culture, the clan system appears in modern and fantasy settings. With some of the theory already set, it now makes sense to point out how different series actually handle this subject, influencing characters across a variety of genres: cultivation, romance, action, and even sci-fi.

The King’s Avatar:

Ye Xiu (protagonist) is betrayed by his own guild — a modern-day version of a clan. This event was a turning point in his life, where he then onward set to rebuild his reputation, mirroring the struggles of traditional clan members who must balance loyalty with ambition.

Battle Through The Heavens:

On the 3 Year Agreement event, it clearly shows how family (and clan/sect) expectations superimpose personal emotions and duty. Gu Xun Er dropped her engagement with Xiao Yan (protagonist), making the Xiao family a laughing stock in the eyes of the Empire. In order to regain his honour, Xiao Yan trained for three whole years through mountains and deserts to then face her on the event.

The Great Ruler/Perfect World:

Both these stories showcase internal clan conflicts leading to revenge arcs which will shape the characters’ ambitions.

In PW, for example, villages fight to gain power and control. Shi Hao's clan (protagonist), in order to help him rise up and become the genius he is meant to be, goes through every effort to aid his cultivation as they battle through fanatical monsters and engage in power struggles with other clans.

Stellar Transformations:

This story shows how breaking away from clan oppression is central to character growth.

Qin Yu (protagonist) was born without an innate ability to practice internal techniques, so his father sent him out of the sect. In order to gain his respect, Yu resolutely chooses to follow the more difficult and painful path of practicing external techniques.

Eventually his father knows that the son for whom he hasn't really shown a lot of consideration possesses astonishing abilities.

So as you can see, the clan system provides a rich source of conflict and drama, as characters navigate the intricate tensions that arise from this structure.

Wrapping things up!

From defying Heaven to honoring ancestors, from bowing to elders to breaking free from clan expectations, donghua is woven with the threads of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism; philosophies that have shaped both history and modern storytelling.

At its core, Confucian ideals of hierarchy, filial piety, and duty aren't just relics of the past, they're narrative engines driving the conflicts, ambitions, and struggles of protagonists who must balance tradition with self determination. Whether it's a hero avenging family, defying fate, or rebelling against their own lineage, these themes resonate because they mirror universal struggles of loyalty, ambition, and identity.

References

The explanations were inspired on the research done by the group o_donghua, adapted & further developed.

A special thank you to Angelic for helping shape this project into reality, with sharp revisions and the gorgeous wallpapers, it wouldn't have reached the same level of quality otherwise. Credits to @uzmacchiato & @sweetmelodygraphics (tumblr) for the beautiful dividers ♡