Exploring the Religions in China

China is one of the world’s ancient civilizations. It is the home to different long-standing global religious cum philosophical traditions. The three religions that constitute the folk or popular religion in the expansive county are Taoism (Daoism), Confucianism, and Buddhism. These three religions have significantly shaped Chinese culture. The state’s official religions are four: Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam. It would be best to understand that all religions in China use different praying items in their rituals. Luckily, you can find Chinese praying items in this reliable online store, irrespective of your faith. Some of the things include joss papers, joss sticks, and incense sticks.

Here is a detailed look at the major religions in China:

Taoism

Taoism is believed to have its roots in China; hence it is a native religion, and its history is over 1700 years. Lao Tzu is credited with founding Taoism, and its doctrines revolve around his writings known as the Tao (the Way). Taoism is built on ‘’the three treasures,‘’ which are compassion, frugality, and humility.

You have probably come across the symbols of Taoism and are familiar with them even without your realization. For instance, the Ying and Yang, a common symbol, is Taoist’s beliefs foundational symbol. The sign demonstrates the importance of harmony in the traditions of Taoism.Taoism is deemed a polytheistic religion and is still influential in the upcountry areas occupied by Han Chinese and several other minority groups, like the Yao. It is also strongly present in Macau, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia.

Buddhism

Buddhism originated in India and spread to China around 2000 years ago. Many believers of this religion belong to the Han Chinese community, although there is a sizable portion of Buddhists in Tibet. These are usually from the Mongolian, Tibetan, Lhoba, Tujia, and Moinba nationalities. Buddhists comprise the most prominent religious group in China, but most Han practice a cultural or historical Buddhism and not a daily routine. As such, it may be challenging to determine their precise number.

Christianity

Although Christianity, which comprises Catholicism and other forms, especially Protestants, was slow in establishing itself in China, it is now well-grounded. The religion started gaining entry very early, and there are records that in 635, a missionary of the Nestorian sect arrived in China. Today, the religion has many followers all over the country.

Islam

Islam faith came to China from Arab countries over 1300 years ago. Some of the ethnic groups that follow this religion include the Hui, Kazak, Uyghur, Tajik, Ozbek, and Banan. Although most Islam believers are in the northwest China Provinces of Ganxu, Ningxia, Xinjiang, and Qinghai, Islam communities are found in almost all the Chinese cities.