The importance with which Chinese view family relationships has led to adages such as "if a man be moral, even his dogs and chickens will ascend unto heaven." Good works "glorify one's ancestors" and "shine honor on one's door." Likewise, if one commits a crime or loses one's position, it reflects on the whole family.
究其原因與中國人重視家族有關，所謂「一人得道，雞犬升天」，一個人好的作為可以「光宗耀祖」、「光耀門楣」；相反地若犯罪或失勢，也會殃及親屬。