13. Chinese Family Value

When it comes to Chinese family values, the most distinguished feature is the attention to“Xiao (孝)”which means“filial piety.”

Filial piety is a concept originating with Confucianism.The term“filial piety”refers to the extreme respect that Chinese children are supposed to show their parents.It involves many different things, including taking care of parents, burying them properly after death, bringing honor to the family, and having a male heir to carry on the family name.Filial piety has been incorporated into the major belief systems of China.

Filial piety exists today and can be seen in China, as well as outside of it.Many Chinese immigrant families all over the world live in multigenerational family units.It is never okay to abandon older family members.Older generations often form a very important part of day-to-day living.In China and in the US, both members of a married couple may have to work.But the care of their children is needed.Usually it is the grandmother who provides that care.This keeps the notion of filial piety stronger.The older generations often continue to contribute to their adult children's and grandchildren's well being.

In terms of filial piety, there are some points that people always remember:the life-long duty to please and take care of parents; the strong obligation to fulfill parents'expectations.