Northern California Shilu Association Ancestral Worship Ceremony Celebrates Confucius’ Legacy

Last Sunday, on March 23, in the Northern California Qilu Club, the Spring Collective Worship event was held in the San Francisco Bay Area. The ceremony began by honoring the great sage Confucius, spreading Chinese culture.

With the Qingming Festival approaching, according to the customs passed down by ancestors, Chinese people are required to honor and worship their ancestors and relatives.

As the inheritor of the bloodline of Confucius’s hometown, the Qilu Club shoulders the responsibility of promoting Confucian culture without hesitation. The collective worship and ceremony took place at the Sui Heung Restaurant in Millbrae, San Francisco Bay Area.

On the altar in the hall were placed red candles, bouquets, aged wine, and fresh fruits. The couplet on both sides of the sacrificial platform read: “Chinese culture lasts forever; Great virtue spreads far to the Western Regions.”

The ceremony was initiated by Li Zuotang, the presiding officer of the Confucius ceremony, leading overseas Chinese community leaders and attendees to offer flowers and bow to the ancient saints and ancestors of the Chinese nation.

Li Zuotang, representing the attendees, read the sacrificial text.

The text read: “The Chinese nation has a long and profound history. Its culture is vast and magnificent. The founding ancestor has explored and expanded territories. Since ancient times, civilization has flourished. Benefiting the world, it touches one’s heart deeply.”

Madam Yi Rong, Chairperson of the Qilu Club, expressed gratitude to Confucius for his contributions to Chinese culture in her speech. She mentioned that the Qilu Club was founded in 1981 and single-handedly assumed the responsibility of overseas Confucius worship from 1982 to 2000. Since 2001, the Confucius worship activities have been jointly undertaken by the Federation of Chinese Schools. She also thanked all the members, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission, and all donors who supported the operation of the Qilu Club.

Director Lai Ming-chi of the Taiwan Representative Office in San Francisco mentioned in his speech that promoting Chinese culture and Confucian thoughts is a long and arduous journey. He quoted Confucius, “Virtue does not stand alone; there will always be like-minded friends. As long as you do the right thing, you will definitely have friends with similar aspirations supporting you.”

Director Lai Ming-chi also revealed during his speech that every morning when he wakes up, if he has time, he revises the Analects of Confucius. “So, perhaps my relationship with Confucius is even better than that of everyone present here.”

In her speech, Director Zhuang Yashu of the Overseas Chinese Cultural and Educational Center in San Francisco also expressed gratitude to the Qilu Club and overseas Chinese community friends for their contributions to promoting traditional Chinese culture.

Attendees at the event included the San Francisco Bay Area Chinese National Day Committee, Northern California Chinese College Alumni Association, San Francisco University, Oriental Dance School, Most Beautiful Dance Troupe, as well as some members and advisory committee members of the Taiwan Overseas Community Compatriots.