The Modern Civilizational Value of Excellent Traditional Chinese Family Culture

As a unique spiritual force formed in the long history of the Chinese nation, excellent traditional Chinese culture provides a deep cultural foundation for realizing Chinese-path modernization, and excellent traditional Chinese family culture is the fertile soil that nurtures this spiritual force.

作为中华民族在漫长历史发展中形成的独具特色的精神力量，中华优秀传统文化为实现中国式现代化提供了深厚的文化根基，而中华优秀传统家文化则是培育这一精神力量的沃土。

Analyzing the code of “tradition,” “transmission” is the vertical dimension of historical inheritance, and “continuity” is the horizontal dimension of essence condensation. [1]1 The Chinese word for “tradition” (传统) is composed of the characters “传” (transmission) and “统” (continuity), indicating both temporal inheritance and spatial cohesion of essence. In both aspects, excellent traditional Chinese family culture plays a crucial role. In terms of historical inheritance, excellent traditional Chinese family culture, with its power to transcend time and space, forms a cultural bond passed down through generations, preserving and promoting the spiritual core of the Chinese nation, supporting the sustained and stable development of modern society with its strong cohesive force, and contributing new elements and forms to the diversity of human civilization. In terms of essence condensation, excellent traditional Chinese family culture, with its character of harmony and inclusiveness, transcends the category of the family and permeates the entire chain of social life; the physical and mental harmony of individual growth, the warmth and harmony of family atmosphere, and the civilized harmony of social order cannot be realized apart from its nurturing function. Therefore, in the New Era, we should deeply explore and promote its unique value so that it can play a greater role in today’s society.

对“传统”密码进行解析，“传”是历史传承的纵向之维，“统”是精髓凝聚的横向之维，在这两个方面，中华优秀传统家文化都发挥着至关重要的作用。在历史传承中，具有时空穿透力的中华优秀传统家文化形成了世代相传的文化纽带，保存和弘扬了中华民族的精神内核，通过强大的凝聚力支持着现代社会的持续稳定发展，为人类文明的多样性贡献新元素和新形态。在精髓凝聚方面，具有和谐包容性的中华优秀传统家文化超越了家庭范畴，渗透在社会生活的全链条，个人成长的身心和顺、家庭氛围的温馨和睦与社会秩序的文明和谐都不能在离开其涵育功能的情况下得到实现。因此，在新时代，我们应当深入挖掘、弘扬其独特价值，使其在当今社会中发挥更大的作用。

Highlighting and Transmitting the Symbols and Essence of Chinese Civilization

彰显与传承 中华文明标识及精髓

“A nation that forgets its origins has no way out.” [2]2 A famous saying by Xi Jinping, often cited to emphasize the importance of historical memory. Forgetting historical heritage will inevitably lead to a loss of direction. The continuity of Chinese civilization and the profundity of Chinese culture are two sides of the same coin, jointly supporting the endless vitality of the Chinese nation. Excellent traditional Chinese family culture, as the carrier of the cultural memory of the Chinese nation, is not only a cultural symbol within the family but also highlights and transmits the symbols and essence of Chinese civilization in the sense of the entire nation’s cultural confidence and identity.

“一个不记得来路的民族是没有出路的民族。”遗忘历史传承，必然会迷失方向，中华文明的连续性与中华文化的深刻性是一体两面的关系，共同支撑着中华民族的生生不息。中华优秀传统家文化，作为中华民族文化记忆的载体，不仅是家庭内部的文化符号，更在整个民族文化自信与认同的意义上彰显并传承着中华文明的标识与精髓。

Through family cultural elements such as surnames and genealogies, the struggles of ancestors and the historical changes of the family unit are passed down from generation to generation, forming a shared memory between generations, strengthening the historical consciousness and cultural identity of the family collective, and also preserving and enhancing the collective memory of the Chinese nation. This emotional and cultural sense of belonging encouraged countless Chinese sons and daughters to face hardships and defend their homeland together in turbulent years, writing a historical lineage of sharing weal and woe, [3]3 A four-character idiom meaning to share both good and bad times together. and in the vigorous development of the New Era, it also urges Chinese sons and daughters to shoulder the responsibility of realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

通过姓氏、族谱等家文化元素，先辈们的奋斗历程、以家庭为单元的历史变迁被代代相传，形成了代际之间的共同记忆，强化了家庭集体共同的历史意识与文化认同，也使中华民族的集体记忆得以保持并增强。这种情感与文化上的归属感在动荡岁月中鼓舞了无数中华儿女共同面对艰难险阻、捍卫家园，书写着休戚与共的历史谱系，也在新时代的蓬勃发展中勉励着中华儿女肩负起实现民族复兴的责任。

From tangible wealth to intangible treasures, excellent traditional Chinese family culture is both a transmitter of knowledge and skills and a guardian of the spiritual lineage, passing on the wisdom and experience of ancestors to future generations. Historically, positions and occupations were one of the main forms of the origin of Chinese surnames, marking a transmission model of oral instruction and inner appreciation [4]4 A four-character idiom meaning oral instruction and unspoken inner understanding, a traditional mode of transmitting knowledge and skills. among family members. In contemporary times, many valuable traditional skills such as paper-cutting techniques, embroidery methods, and ceramic production in China’s intangible cultural heritage have been preserved and developed thanks to this. Family collections and transmissions have been key to the survival of many important Chinese classics—one Confucian wall preserved the sacred teachings, [5]5 A reference to the discovery of ancient Confucian classics hidden in the wall of Confucius’s old residence during the Han dynasty. and the Eight Thousand Volume Tower [6]6 The Eight Thousand Volume Tower (八千卷楼) was the library of Ding Bing, a famous Qing dynasty book collector, symbolizing the preservation of literary heritage. continued the literary heritage. These touching stories record the unremitting efforts of Chinese sons and daughters to maintain the Chinese cultural lineage in turbulent times.

从有形的财富到无形的瑰宝，中华优秀传统家文化既是知识技艺的传递者，也是精神文脉的守护者，向后代传递着先辈们的智慧与经验。历史上，职位、职业是中华姓氏起源的主要形式之一，铭刻着家庭成员之间口传心授的传承模式。在当代，中国非物质文化遗产如剪纸技艺、刺绣技法以及陶瓷制作等许多宝贵的传统技艺因此得以保存与发展。家藏家传是许多中华重要典籍得以传续的关键，一面孔壁存圣训、八千卷楼续文澜，这些感人事迹书写着中华儿女在动荡岁月里维系中华文脉的不懈努力。

“The family is not only the physical dwelling of people but also the spiritual home.” [7]7 A quote from Xi Jinping, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the family. The family virtues advocated by excellent traditional Chinese family culture, such as respect for the elderly and love for the young, [8]8 A four-character idiom meaning to respect the elderly and care for the young. the father being kind and the son filial, [9]9 A four-character idiom meaning the father is kind and the son is filial, a traditional moral ideal. and loving one’s country as one loves one’s family, [10]10 A four-character idiom meaning to love one’s country as one loves one’s family. are passed down through the educational method of successive generations, shaping the simple national character, forming the root of the Chinese national spirit, and highlighting the essence of Chinese civilization. In a family atmosphere of respect for the elderly and love for the young, the heart of benevolence and social responsibility are naturally transmitted; in the interaction between a kind father and a filial son, gratitude and the spirit of dedication are cultivated through precept and example. [11]11 A four-character idiom meaning to teach by personal example as well as verbal instruction. These excellent traditional Chinese family culture concepts, along the life ideal path of “loving one’s country as one loves one’s family,” continuously enrich the great national spirit of the Chinese nation centered on patriotism, unity, love of peace, diligence and courage, and unremitting self-improvement, [12]12 The “great national spirit” is officially defined as centered on patriotism, emphasiing unity, love of peace, diligence and courage, and unremitting self-improvement. injecting sustained vitality into the continuous development of Chinese civilization.

“家庭不仅是人们身体的住处，更是心灵的归宿。”中华优秀传统家文化所倡导的家庭美德，如尊老爱幼、父慈子孝、爱国如家等，通过代代相传的教育方式，塑造了淳朴的民族性格，构成了中华民族精神的根脉，彰显着中华文明的精髓。在尊老爱幼的家庭氛围中，仁爱之心与社会责任感自然而然地得到传承；在父慈子孝的互动中，感恩与奉献精神在言传身教中得以培育。这些优秀的中华传统家文化观念沿着“爱国如家”的人生理想路径，持续充实着中华民族以爱国主义为核心、团结统一、爱好和平、勤劳勇敢、自强不息的伟大民族精神，为中华文明的不断发展注入了持续的活力。

Assisting and Enhancing the Sense of Happiness and the Level of Civilization in Modern Society

助力与提升 现代社会的幸福感及文明程度

“On the road ahead, wind and rain are normal.” [13]13 A phrase from Xi Jinping’s 2024 New Year address, acknowledging the challenges of the times. The rapid development of modern society has brought unprecedented changes to people’s lifestyles; individuals and families face many new problems and new challenges. The family ethics contained in excellent traditional Chinese family culture have strong practical significance for improving the level of social civilization and enhancing people’s happiness.

“前行路上，有风有雨是常态。”现代社会的快速发展给人们的生活方式带来了前所未有的变化，个人和家庭都面临许多新问题、新挑战。中华优秀传统家文化所蕴含的家庭伦理思想，对提升社会文明程度、增强人民幸福感等方面，具有强大的现实意义。

“Fear no wind and rain, stand together in times of need, face challenges head-on, and overcome difficulties.” [14]14 Another phrase from Xi Jinping’s 2024 New Year address, encouraging perseverance and mutual support. The family is the most basic unit of human society and the most direct source of strength for everyone to face wind and rain and forge ahead courageously. The values of respect, understanding, tolerance, and mutual assistance advocated by excellent traditional Chinese family culture provide emotional support and spiritual comfort for modern people coping with the fast pace of life. In the marital relationship of “treating each other with mutual respect like guests” [15]15 A four-character idiom describing a married couple’s mutual respect and courtesy. and the parent-child interaction of “a kind father and a filial son,” family members support each other, share burdens, help each other reduce psychological stress, enhance confidence in facing challenges, and demonstrate the most basic operational structure of Chinese civilization—standing together in times of need [16]16 A four-character idiom meaning to help each other in times of difficulty. and overcoming difficulties together. No matter the wind and rain, a harmonious family is always a warm harbor, a solid backing for people to face difficulties, and the source of strength to continuously overcome difficulties and move forward bravely.

“不惧风雨、守望相助，直面挑战、攻坚克难。”家庭是人类社会最基本的单元，是每个人面对风雨、勇敢前行最直接的力量源泉。中华优秀传统家文化所倡导的尊重、理解、包容与互助，为现代人应对快节奏生活提供了情感支撑和心灵慰藉。在“相敬如宾”的夫妻关系和“父慈子孝”的亲子互动中，家庭成员相互扶持、共同承担，帮助彼此减轻心理负担、增强面对挑战的信心，显示着中华文明守望相助、共克时艰的最基本运作结构。不论风雨如何，和睦的家庭始终是温暖的港湾，是人们迎难而上的坚实后盾，是不断攻坚克难、勇敢向前的力量所在。

At the same time, the moral norms advocated by excellent traditional Chinese family culture help cultivate a greater sense of social responsibility. The family is the first classroom for socialization, the starting point of personal morality and values, bearing the heavy responsibility of cultivating and transmitting social responsibility. In “respecting the elderly and loving the young,” intergenerational care bridges the gap between generations and gives birth to the embryonic form of a community consciousness, forming the basis of social harmony: “respecting the elderly” is not only a concrete manifestation of family virtue but also a recognition of social achievements, meaning the younger generation acknowledges the wisdom and contributions of the elders; “loving the young” is not only an expression of blood affection but also a continuation of social responsibility—caring for the growth of children is guarding the future of society, showing a responsible attitude toward cultivating the next generation. In addition, “being diligent and thrifty in managing the household” [17]17 A four-character idiom meaning to be diligent and thrifty in managing household affairs. demonstrates the social responsibility of cherishing and making rational use of resources, and the idea of “extending the respect for the aged in one’s family to those of other families, and extending the love for the young in one’s family to those of other families” [18]18 A classical quotation from Mencius (《孟子·梁惠王上》), advocating the extension of respect and love for one’s own family members to others. actively performs the role of social master, not only helping to raise the overall level of social morality and civilization but also deepening the social participation of all citizens.

与此同时，中华优秀传统家文化所倡导的道德规范有助于培养更强的社会责任感。家庭是社会化的第一课堂，是个人品德与价值观的起点，承载着培育、传承社会责任担当的重任。在“尊老爱幼”中，代际关怀消弭代际差距、孕育出社会共同体意识的雏形，构成了社会和谐的基础：“尊老”不仅是家庭美德的具象化，也是对社会功绩的认可，意味着年轻一代承认长辈的智慧与贡献；“爱幼”不只是对血缘情感的表达，也是对社会责任的延续，关爱儿童的成长就是守护社会的未来，显示了为社会培养下一代的负责任心态。此外，“勤俭持家”彰显着珍惜并合理利用资源的社会责任，“老吾老以及人之老，幼吾幼以及人之幼”更积极发挥着社会主人公的角色功能，不仅助力着社会道德水平、文明程度的整体提升，而且可以深化全体公民的社会参与程度。

Enriching and Expanding the Content and Forms of Human Civilization

丰富与开拓 人类文明的内容及形态

Chinese civilization has gone through several thousand years, forming a unique development trajectory and cultural characteristics. This historical continuity profoundly influences not only China’s past, present, and future but also provides valuable experience and inspiration for global culture. As an important component of Chinese civilization, excellent traditional Chinese family culture prominently displays this uniqueness: it not only shapes the value orientation and ethical form of Chinese society but also provides historical material for enriching the connotation of human civilization, serving as a bridge for cross-cultural dialogue in the process of globalization.

中华文明历经数千年，形成了独特的发展轨迹和文化特色，这种历史的连续性不仅深刻影响着中国的过去、现在和未来，也为全球文化提供了宝贵的经验与启示。作为中华文明的重要组成部分，中华优秀传统家文化集中展现了这一独特性，不仅塑造了中国社会的价值取向、伦理形态，也为丰富人类文明内涵提供了历史素材，在全球化进程中成为跨文化对话的桥梁。

From family ethics to clan culture, from traditional customs to skill transmission, excellent traditional Chinese family culture not only showcases the wisdom and creativity of the Chinese nation but also attracts the attention of the world with its unique form. The traditional festival of the Spring Festival is not only the time for family reunions but also conveys people’s expectations and blessings for a better life through rich cultural activities such as pasting Spring Festival couplets, setting off firecrackers, and paying New Year visits. Adapting and updating with the times, endowing traditional activities with new forms, it has gradually become a cultural feast with global influence and an important platform for cross-cultural exchange. In December 2023, the Spring Festival officially became a United Nations holiday; on December 4, 2024, “Spring Festival—social practices of the Chinese people in celebrating the traditional New Year” was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. [19]19 The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in December 2023 to list the Spring Festival as a UN floating holiday; in December 2024, UNESCO inscribed the Spring Festival’s social practices on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This not only highlights the cultural confidence of the Chinese nation but also serves as a vivid manifestation of the diversity of human culture.

从家庭伦理到家族文化，从传统习俗到技艺传承，中华优秀传统家文化不仅展现了中华民族的智慧和创造力，还以其独特的形式吸引了世界各地的目光。春节这一传统节日，不仅是家人团聚的时刻，更是通过贴春联、放鞭炮、拜年等丰富的文化活动，传递着人们对美好生活的期盼与祝福，并在时代的变化中适应更新、赋予传统活动以新的形式，逐渐成为具有全球影响力的文化盛宴、跨文化交流的重要展台。2023年12月，春节正式成为联合国假日；2024年12月4日，“春节——中国人庆祝传统新年的社会实践”被列入联合国教科文组织人类非物质文化遗产代表作名录。这既彰显了中华民族的文化自信，也成为人类文化多样性的生动体现。

Excellent traditional Chinese family culture embodies the cultural values of harmony and inclusiveness, condensed in the simple expression of “a harmonious family brings prosperity.” [20]20 A four-character idiom connoting that domestic harmony leads to prosperity in all endeavors. It advocates resolving various conflicts through understanding, respect, and tolerance, reflecting the beauty of harmony in Chinese culture and guiding people to care for each other and coexist harmoniously. At a time when diverse cultures converge globally, this spirit of harmony and inclusiveness is not only an important bond for family unity but also provides supplementation and innovation for the exchange and integration of global civilizations. Especially in the coexistence of multiple ethnicities and cultures, it helps enhance mutual understanding and respect between different cultures, promotes dialogue and cooperation among different civilizations, and, in the spirit of “sharing a common destiny and walking the same great path together,” [21]21 A phrase often used in Chinese political discourse, advocating shared destiny and common progress. contributes to creating a more prosperous and beautiful future.

中华优秀传统家文化彰显和谐、包容的文化价值，凝聚在“家和万事兴”的朴素表达中，主张通过理解、尊重和包容来解决各类冲突，体现了中华文化的和谐之美，引导人与人之间相互关爱、和谐共处。在全球多元文化交汇的当下，这种和谐包容的精神不仅是家庭团结的重要纽带，也为全球文明的交流、交融作出了补充与创新。特别是在多民族、多文化的相处中，有助于增进不同文化的彼此理解与尊重、推动不同文明的对话与合作，在“命运与共，大道同行”中一同为创造更加繁荣美好的未来作出贡献。

(The author is a specially appointed researcher at the Center for the Study of Marxist Theory and Regional Practice and a postdoctoral fellow at the School of Marxism, Guangxi Normal University.)

（作者系广西师范大学马克思主义理论与区域实践研究中心特聘研究员、马克思主义学院博士后）

Online Editor: Huihui

网络编辑：慧慧