Confucius' 77th lineal descendant dies in Taiwan

[Coventina]

Source: Reuters

TAIPEI (Reuters) - Kung Teh-cheng, the 77th lineal descendant of Confucius, died in Taiwan on Tuesday, local media reported. He was 88.

Kung, whose surname equates to the first syllable of Confucius' Latinized name, had been suffering from failing heart and lung functions, the United Evening News reported.

Born in the family's ancestral home in northeastern China, he fled the mainland in 1949 ahead of the victorious Communist armies and settled in Taiwan.

Each year for more than half a century Kung led the island's main official ceremony honoring Confucius on the sage's birthday, only giving up the role three years ago due to growing infirmity.



Read more: http://uk.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUKTRE49R2OA20081028

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Unfortunately, the article doesn't tell us if there are any other descendants!

I was fascinated to learn this. I had no idea there were direct descendants of Confucius around. And I teach Confucianism!

[Orrex]

1. Apparently there's been much Confucius on this issue

77, at least.

Wild news, though--I was likewise unaware that there were direct decendents, or even that they could track them.

[liberal N proud]

2. Confucius say:

Nothing last forever