Ma attends commemoration for Confucius

Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou on Monday attended a ceremony held at a Confucius temple in Tainan City to commemorate the birthday of Confucius, who was born 2,560 years ago.

Ma was the first island leader to join commemorations in this biggest and oldest Confucius temple of Taiwan on the sage's birthday.

Taiwan scholar Wang Chung-fu told Xinhua that Ma's participation showed the authorities valued traditional Chinese culture.

More than 10 other Confucius temples across the island also organized grand ceremonies Monday.

Song Chu-yu, chairman of the People First Party in Taiwan, said at a commemorative ceremony at Hsinchu that the philosophies of Confucius were the most valuable asset of the Chinese people.

Confucius (551-479 BC), an educator and philosopher, founded a school of thought that deeply influenced later generations. He was also the first person in China to set up private schools and enroll students from all walks of life.

Large sacrifice rituals took place in many places of the mainland on Monday, including Qufu, the birthplace of Confucius.