The Nong Clan#

Surname: Nong, pronounced as nóng

Distribution of the Nong Clan#

Yanmen Commandery: Established during the Warring States period by King Wu Ling of Zhao, it was continued during the Qin and Han dynasties. Yanmen Commandery corresponds to the area around Dai County in present-day Shanxi Province and includes the Yanmen Pass, one of the key fortresses of the Great Wall.

Origins of the Nong Clan#

There are three theories regarding the origin of the Nong surname:

1. The Nong surname originates from the legendary figure Shennong, a descendant of the Yan Emperor. In the early Western Zhou dynasty, King Wu of Zhou appointed a descendant of Shennong as the "Nong Zheng" (Minister of Agriculture), responsible for agricultural production and praying for a good harvest. His descendants adopted the surname Nong.

2. The surname may have arisen from an official title. In ancient times, the official in charge of agriculture was called the "Nong Zheng." Some of these officials' descendants used the character "Nong" from their official title as their surname.

3. Some members of other ethnic groups adopted the Nong surname, as well as a small number of minority ethnicities. For example, during the Northern Song dynasty, the Nong tribe of the Zhuang people in Guangxi were subject to genocide by the Zhao dynasty. To avoid death, some changed their surname to Zhao; others removed the "Nong" character from their name and adopted "Nong" instead, claiming their ancestors had come from Shandong with Di Qing.

Ancestral Origin#

The legendary Shennong, also known as Lieshan, Lishan, or Lianshan, is considered the founder of the Nong clan. According to the I Ching, after the death of Paoxi, Shennong became the ruler of the world and is revered as the God of Agriculture. Shennong invented farming tools, taught people how to cultivate crops, raise livestock, make pottery, weave, and use fire. He is celebrated for his contributions to agriculture and is honored as the ancestor of the Nong clan.

Migration and Spread#

The Nong surname is not among the top 100 most common surnames in mainland China or Taiwan. In ancient times, the Yan Emperor, a prominent clan leader, worshipped the phoenix totem and was considered one of the ancestors of the Chinese nation along with the Yellow Emperor, who worshipped the dragon totem. Shennong's clan was skilled in agriculture, and their farming practices were more stable and reliable than hunting and gathering, leading to their prosperity. Some of Shennong's descendants adopted the surname Nong.

During the Zhou dynasty, the position of "Nong Zheng" was established in the imperial court to oversee agricultural production and pray for favorable weather. Some descendants of these officials used the title as their surname. Another branch of the Nong clan originated from the Zhuang people in Guangxi during the Northern Song dynasty. The Northern Song dynasty, preoccupied with wars against the Liao and Western Xia tribes in the north, neglected the south. In the third year of Xiangfu (1010), the Li dynasty of Jiaozhi seized Zhuang land and oppressed the local people. The Zhuang leader Nong Zhigao rebelled and established the "Dali Kingdom"; however, his efforts were suppressed by the Song dynasty. To avoid extinction, some Zhuang people changed their surname to Zhao, while others removed the "Nong" character and adopted "Nong," claiming their ancestors had come from Shandong with Di Qing.

Family Genealogies#

According to the Nong clan's genealogies:

• The ancestral founder of the Nong clan is Shennong, also known as the Yan Emperor.
• The Nong surname has been passed down for over 380 years, with many descendants living in various provinces and counties.
• Some Nong people migrated from Shandong with Di Qing during the Northern Song dynasty.
• The Nong clan is traditionally associated with the Zhuang people, but due to oppressive policies, some adopted other surnames.

Hall Names and Family Traditions#

• Jia Su Tang (Hall of Agriculture): This hall name reflects Shennong's role in teaching people agriculture.

Common Couplets for Nong Clan Ancestral Halls:

• Four-character Couplets:

  • Originating from the "Nong Zheng"; descending from Yanmen. (Alluding to the clan's historical origins and location.)
  • Upholding pure teachings; renowned scholars of Chinese studies. (Honoring the clan's scholarly heritage.)

• Five-character Couplets:

  • A secluded path leads to a tranquil valley; in the early morning, one enjoys the breeze. (Referring to the Nong clan's heritage and their place of residence.)

• Seven-character Couplets:

  • Good news spreads from Yanmen, bringing long-lasting peace; the clan welcomes fortune and happiness. (Emphasizing the clan's roots in Yanmen and their blessings.)

• Seven-character Couplets (extended):

  • Renowned scholars of Chinese studies; a wise and benevolent magistrate. (Honoring both notable scholars and officials from the Ming dynasty.)

The Nong clan has a rich historical background and has played a significant role in Chinese agricultural traditions. However, due to oppressive policies and historical events, some descendants avoid publicly acknowledging their connection to the Nong clan.