Surnames, to say the least, are proof that a family has been brilliant. Because some unknown clans have long been eliminated by history and dried in endless historical dust. Generally speaking, surnames can represent nationalities, and we all say that we are from China. Isn't this another meaning of surname?
Last name, last name comes first, last name comes last. Family name is blood, family name is identity. So how did the surname come from? China began in the clan period, when all tribes believed in totems, some were plants and some were animals, such as wolf totems and dragon totems. Later, with the continuous progress of society, the totem of the tribe slowly evolved into the current surname. After the Qin and Han dynasties, surnames were combined into one, which has been used ever since.
In ancient times, not everyone had a surname, only nobles had this qualification, and some civilians didn't even know what the surname was. Later, the right to take the surname was gradually delegated to the people, but slaves still could not have it as before.
Surnames represent blood relations. In matriarchal society, surnames are the division of tribes to maintain blood relations. With the development of the times, the status of women in the patriarchal society has declined, and aristocratic men will add the concept of surname to express their identity; As for what surname many people call women, it reflects the dependence of ancient women on men.
Many people may think that only people with very close blood relationship can form a group, but it is not. Since the Qin Dynasty established a unified country, many tribes and foreign nationalities have taken root in the Central Plains. They marry Han Chinese as their wives or marry Han Chinese to have children. Coupled with the surnames of the royal family and the emperor, this clan has slowly developed.
In ancient times, surnames were often regarded as a very sacred existence. Because surnames evolved from the totems they believed in in ancient times. At that time, they all depended on nature, and their scientific and technological level was very backward, which led to their strong sense of worship of nature.
Because ancient clans had the most contact with nature, many of their totems were creatures of nature. For example, wolves and ears of rice, as for dragons, they fantasize about snakes. They have always believed that totem is their protector and can always protect them. As long as they have a sincere heart, they can spend their lives safely and happily.
Totem is closely related to surname, because surname evolved from totem. For example, like Liu, their totem is an old man with a knife. This knife witnessed the rise and fall of Liu's surname and its long historical evolution. This knife represents the strong quality of Liu people who are not afraid of violence and dare to fight hard.
Li's totem is very special. Their totem is a tiger with huge eyes, as if to tear up the enemy who invaded their home.
Zhang's totem is camphor tree. With the evolution of history, the wooden characters are gradually removed and become the present chapter. Camphor tree means longevity and good luck. This represents Zhang's ancestors' wishes and expectations for future generations. I hope they will be safe and happy all their lives and stay away from injuries. At the same time, camphor tree also symbolizes perseverance, and also entrusts Zhang Xianren with the expectation that he will never yield to future generations. Cinnamomum camphora is the patron saint of Zhang, and it is an endless cultural heritage rooted in their bodies and blood.
Today, many people have gradually forgotten the surname culture. Find anyone in the street and ask him if he knows the origin of his surname. Maybe many people don't know. In fact, behind every surname, it represents the constant changes of a family for hundreds or even thousands of years, witnessing the birth of Chinese civilization to its peak.