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Genealogical Resources from China


Chinese Genealogy

The record of a clan's history, lineage and ancestral biography is called Jia Pu or Zu Pu. It comprises the origins of the surname, the migration patterns of the clan, the family lineage, the ancestral biography, the story of the locality, etc.

The ancient chinese genealogical records were composed of various materials such as miniature arrows, shoes, cradle, bronze coins, kneecaps of goats and pigs which, were tied to the knots to show the number of generations, number of members (male and female), etc. for a particular family. These genealogical records were also  transmitted verbally to the younger generations. They also contained information about the migrations of the people and their social evolution.

Jia Pu usually only mentions the women in the family because of the greater emphasis placed on the sons, carry on the family name. Daughters are considered part of their husband's family after they are married.

China_linguistic_map.jpg

Chinese people have migrated from North to South, then to neighbouring countries and then overseas to the pacific region, to Europe and the USA as immigration laws became less stringent . Especially, after World War II because of the contribution of the Chinese to the effort of war.

Your genealogy search begins by tracking down the following two items:

  1. The proper Chinese name of your ancestor: http://houseofchinn.com/ChineseNames.html
  2. The exact name of the village of your ancestor: http://houseofchinn.com/HowToLocateYourAncestralVillage.html

Introduction to Chinese Genealogy, Origins of Chinese names: www.genealogy.about.com/od/china/China.htm

Origins of Chinese-language surnames: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category

Genealogy of Families originating from (Four Counties) from the Guangdong province: legacy1.net/