Research on Huizhou Clan

Author: Zhao Huafu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: The Hui'an clan is a historical phenomenon, and at the same time, this social community tied by patrilineal blood relations is also a social reality. Studying the Hui'an clan requires not only the use of historical research methods but also the adoption of sociological research methods. Based on the research object of the Hui'an clan, the author employs the following methods: combining historical literature with social surveys, integrating case studies with overall research, and combining thematic research with comprehensive research. The Hui'an clan genealogies are exceptionally rich and serve as the most important primary materials for studying the Hui'an clan. Currently, major libraries, museums, archives, and other institutions worldwide hold over 1,000 types of Hui'an genealogies. During the period of the democratic revolution, the Hui'an clan system suffered an unprecedented heavy blow, but the clan was not completely destroyed. This is because such a social community tied by patrilineal blood relations cannot be completely eliminated by political force. In this article, the author proposes that the clan is a historically formed social community tied by patrilineal blood relations, with eight basic characteristics: 1. Having a common ancestor; 2. Being bound by blood relations; 3. Having a clear genealogical order; 4. Engaging in certain collective activities; 5. Having a certain settlement location; 6. Having a certain organizational and management structure; 7. Having clan rules and family laws; 8. Having collectively owned clan property.