Qin Dynasty Ancestors

The Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE), founded by Qin Shi Huang, emphasized the importance of ancestral ancestors as a foundation of legitimacy, tradition, and cultural identity. Ancestors were revered through rituals, offerings, and genealogies, reflecting a deep respect for family lineage and the belief that ancestors' spirits continued to influence the living. This respect reinforced social hierarchy and unity, conjoining personal family pride with state authority. The dynasty also standardized rituals, weights, and measures, integrating ancestral worship into a unified national identity that underscored the importance of lineage and continuity in early Chinese civilization.