More than a religion, Confucianism is a humanistic philosophy. It has been the basis on which Vietnamese society have built their family and social system for more than a thousand years. Introduced by Confucius, a Chinese philosopher, this system of thought puts forward the moral values of politeness, propriety and respect for authority.  In the same vein as ancestor worship, family hierarchy and respect of the elders are fundamental principles of Confucianism.

Social life is paramount. An individual can only live within a community and his family by serving his superior and by honoring his parents. The ideal pursued by Confucianism is the perfecting of human life and morals, with a particular emphasis on the fact that human beings are teachable and perfectible through personal and communal endeavor.