Confucian Moralizing Functions of Vernacular Houses:A Case Study of Vernacular Houses of Dongting East Mountain and West Mountain

Confucian ethics, idea and behavior criterion were embodied in everything of life, especially in the building as an important tool for moralizing. Taking a case study on vernacular houses of Dongting East Mountain and West Mountain, this paper reveals the moderate, etiquette and benevolence as moral contents in the building's layout, form, space, decoration and so on. The moralizing reflects a subtle way of guidance, as well as diversified and systematic characteristics. Vernacular houses deeply mingled with daily life, had unique influence as physical environment, thus realizing the implementation and manifestation of Confucian moralizing ideas that have been converted to folk customs. In sum, the Confucian moralizing function carried by vernacular houses is the product of institutions and rules, and it is also the manifestation of conscious inheritance of cultural identity.