乐正姓
The Le Zheng is a rare, ancient Han Chinese compound surname originating from the Zhou dynasty court's "Le Zheng" music official title over 2,600 years ago, with its ancestral roots in Tianshui Commandery.
The Le Zheng Clan
Surname: Le Zheng, pronounced as yuè zhèng
Distribution of the Le Zheng Clan**
Tianshui Commandery: Established in the third year of the Yuanding era of the Western Han Dynasty (441 BCE), with its administrative center in Pingxiang (now Tongwei, Gansu). At that time, its jurisdiction covered the areas of present-day Tongwei County, Qin'an County, Dingxi County, Qingshui County, Zhuanglang County, Gangu County, Zhangjiachuan County in Gansu Province, as well as the northwestern part of Tianshui City, the eastern part of Longxi, and the northeastern part of Yuzhong.
Origin of the Le Zheng Surname**
The Le Zheng surname is a compound Chinese surname. It derives from the ancient official title “Le Zheng,” which was responsible for managing music in the imperial court. Later generations adopted this title as their surname.
Migration and Distribution:
The Le Zheng clan is a classic example of an ancient Han Chinese surname. However, its population rank does not fall within the top 300 in the mainland Chinese or Taiwan Province’s list of most common surnames. In the Song Dynasty version of the “Hundred Family Surnames,” it was ranked 451st. The surname has a history of over 2,600 years, with its origins tracing back to the Tianshui Commandery. The Le Zheng official position held significant importance in the court due to the ancient emphasis on rituals and music, which greatly influenced a nation’s diplomatic image. Descendants of these officials took pride in this heritage, leading to the establishment of the Le Zheng surname. This is documented in works such as “Yuanhe Xing Zuan” and “Shang You Lu,” which state, “The Zhou dynasty’s official position of Le Zheng became the source of the surname.”
Notable Figures with the Le Zheng Surname:
- Le Zheng Zichun: A native of the State of Lu during the Spring and Autumn period, a disciple of Zengzi. After Zengzi injured his foot, Le Zheng Zichun remained indoors for months, expressing continual concern. When asked why, he said, “A gentleman must never forget filial piety, even in everyday activities; I have forgotten this principle, hence my worry.”
- Le Zheng Zichang: A native of Jimo during the Song Dynasty. Legend has it that he met an immortal on Aoshan and obtained the elixir of immortality, “Jusheng Chisuan Pills.” After taking it, he lived to be 180 years old while still looking young and maintaining a youthful appearance; he later ascended Mount Lao and became an immortal.