Genealogy (家谱), also known as clan register (族谱) or ancestral chronicle (宗谱), is a special form of historical documentation presented in tabular format that records the lineage succession and significant achievements of family members. As a unique category of historical literature, it contains civilian-centric records of Chinese civilization, chronicling the genealogical networks and historical narratives of consanguineous groups sharing common ancestors. Research indicates that ancient Chinese surnames originated from totem worship, serving as clan emblems or symbols.
Genealogical archives constitute invaluable anthropological materials with irreplaceable functions for in-depth studies in historiography, folklore, demography, sociology, and economics. Through successive dynastic wars and social upheavals, most historical genealogical records were nearly eradicated, resulting in severed lineage transmissions across numerous families. Prior to the Song Dynasty, genealogies were primarily government-compiled documents used for official selection processes and marital reference among prominent clans. The Ming Dynasty witnessed the maturation of genealogical formats, establishing fundamental frameworks for subsequent generations. The Qing Dynasty and Republican era marked the zenith of Chinese genealogical development.
Genealogies not only form crucial components of national historical archives but also serve as vital carriers for the continuation of Chinese spiritual heritage and cultural transmission. As essential mediums for preserving family traditions, educational values, and ethical codes, they constitute one of the three pillars of Chinese historical documentation alongside official histories and local chronicles, representing an indispensable component of China's precious historical-cultural legacy.
CnOpenData has compiled over 2,000 PDF documents of genealogical records from various Chinese regions to facilitate related research.
Relevant Literature
- Liu Chong, Liu Liya, Li Qingchen, 2021: "Exclusion" or "Inclusion": Traditional Clan Culture and Modern Banking Development, Economic Research Journal 4.
- Lin Jianhao, Wu Bingyan, Li Zhongda, 2016: Effective Social Networks in Family Financing: Friend Circles or Clan Ties?, Journal of Financial Research 1.
- Guo Yunnan, Yao Yang, Jeremy Foltz, 2014: Clan Networks and Village Income Distribution, Management World 1.
- Guo Yunnan, Yao Yang, 2013: Ancestral Clan Networks and Rural Labor Migration, Management World 3.
- Zhao Shiyu, 2006: Ancestral Memory, Homeland Symbolism and Ethnic History: Analysis of the Legendary Pagoda Tree in Hongtong, Shanxi, Historical Research 2.
- Wu Xinli, 1988: Chinese Genealogies and Their Academic Value, Historical Research 6.
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