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The Grand Ceremony Dedicated to Confucius (祭孔大典) is held annually on Confucius’ Birthday (September 28) to pay homage to Confucius, China’s ‘First Teacher.’ Who Was Confucius, and Why Is He Celebrated? Confucius (551-479 BC) was a sage, scholar, and philosopher. Confucius passed on his passion for education by emphasizing the importance of education. A slew of accolades, including a posthumous award of “Supreme Teacher” in 1AD, an imperial decree deeming him a ""Grand Master"" in 581AD, and the bestowing of the title “Prince of Culture” in 739AD led to Confucius’ continued popularity. The Confucian ceremony has been traced to the Zhou Dynasty (1046BC-221BC). After Confucius’ death, ceremonies to honor him were held by Confucius' family members. Emperor Lu Aigong (魯哀公) converted Confucius’ home in Qufu (曲阜), in Shandong Province, to a temple so Confucius' descendants could honor him. It wasn't until after Han Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang (高祖) paid his respects to Confucius that all emperors began to worship Confucius. Confucian Ceremonies have been held regularly since the Han dynasty (206BC-220AD). During the Three Kingdoms Period (三国时代) (220AD-280AD), Emperor Cao Cao (曹操) established the biyong (辟雍), an institute for teaching the emperor how to conduct the Confucius ceremony.