The Chinese people's reverence of Confucius led to his gradual deification. Among his various titles were the Lord Propagator of Culture, the Great Accomplisher, the Ultimate Sage, theFirst Teacher, and the Sage. His direct descendents were granted hereditary titles of nobility by various emperors throughout Chinese history.

In 1055, his 46th-generation descendant was awarded the rank Duke Yansheng, which means, "overflowing with sainthood." At that time, the Confucius Family Residence became the largest official residence in China, second only to that of the emperor. Confucius's descendants retained this rank for the next 880 years, with 32 generations serving as the top-ranking civil official in the imperial hierarchy. The Confucius clan is the only family in Chinese history that did not lose its noble rank as dynasties rose and fell, which is more than can be said for China's many royal families over the ages.

Confucius Family Residence (Qufu)

In 476 BC, two years after Confucius died, his residence was turned into a temple by official decree. The emperors of subsequent dynasties regularly dispatched officials to offer sacrifices at this temple, and a number of emperors visited it personally. So the dragon columns in the Confucius Temple do not represent a violation of the hierarchal code emphasized by Confucian ideology. Rather, they honor Confucius himself.

Confucius Temple