Minxi Hakka

Author: Xie Zhongguang et al
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-09-01
Features: The term "Western Fujian" referred to a cultural and geographical concept, centered around the Tingzhou Prefecture during the Ming and Qing dynasties, extending eastward to the Hakka-inhabited areas in western Zhangzhou Prefecture. In the Ming and Qing periods, Tingzhou Prefecture governed eight counties: Ninghua, Changting, Shanghang, Wuping, Qingliu, Liancheng, Yongding, and Guihua, with its administrative seat in Changting. The Hakka-inhabited areas in western Zhangzhou primarily referred to the western townships of Nanjing, Pinghe, and Zhao'an counties under the jurisdiction of Zhangzhou City. Since the 1950s, Fujian Province has undergone significant administrative reorganizations. The five counties of the old Tingzhou—Changting, Shanghang, Wuping, Liancheng, and Yongding—were merged with the two counties of Longyan and Zhangping to form a larger administrative district, known as the Longyan Special District or Longyan Prefecture, which was later renamed Longyan City. Guihua County was changed to Mingxi County and, together with Ninghua and Qingliu, was transferred to the Sanming Prefecture for administration. The Sanming Prefecture has also been renamed Sanming City. However, the eight counties of the old Tingzhou remain a distinct cultural unit, vividly preserved in people's memories. Those who migrated to Taiwan or Southeast Asia during the Ming and Qing dynasties, such as the Tingzhou-based compatriots and overseas Chinese, regard the region as their eternal spiritual homeland. This book, centered around the old Tingzhou, introduces the cultural landscape of Hakka in Western Fujian, offering some solace to overseas compatriots of the region for their longing for home. Some Hakka scholars argue that the Hakka are descendants of pure-blooded Central Plains clans, denying the racial and cultural integration between the Han migrants from the south and the local Min-Yue indigenous people and other ethnic groups. Others claim that all Hakka ancestors passed through Sheli in Ninghua before migrating to various regions, or that Hakka culture is synonymous with Tulou culture, using subjective interpretations of Tulou culture to provide an abstract summary of Hakka culture. Such conclusions are undeniably oversimplified. I believe that Hakka culture and Hakka spirit did not arise out of thin air nor are they merely a continuation of the thoughts and personalities of a few distinguished Hakka ancestors. Rather, they are shaped by the living environment, lifestyles, and struggles of the Hakka people, as well as the accumulation, development, and evolution of their thoughts, emotions, will, character, and interests over generations. Therefore, in this book, I strive to present the rich and diverse lives of the Hakka through concrete examples, avoiding simplistic interpretations of popular views. Some personal insights and new perspectives are presented in this book. Whether they are right or wrong is yet to be tested by readers and time.