hsiao Chinese team meaning ‘filial piety’. Hsiao refers both to a virtue and to acts manifesting that virtue. Originally, hsiao had to do with the proper performance of one’s parents’ funeral rituals and sacrifices to one’s ancestors. Later, hsiao came to encompass the proper treatment of one’s parents while they are alive. Hsiao is fundamental to Confucianism in that showing proper respect for one’s parents is thought to be related to respect for legitimate political authority. See also CONFUCIANISM , LI2. B.W.V.N.