包姓
The Bao surname, pronounced "bāo", has ancient origins from figures like Taihao and Shen Baoxu, with branches in Danyang and Shangdang. It includes a Mongolian lineage from Genghis Khan. The clan is renowned for the incorruptible Song official Bao Zheng, after whom hall names were created, and other notable figures like the loyal general Bao Xu.
The Bao Clan
Surname: Bao, pronounced as “bāo”
Regions where the Bao Clan is Found**
- Danyang: Formerly known as Zhangjun during the Qin Dynasty, corresponding to the present-day Xuancheng area in Anhui Province.
- Shangdang: Governed the region east of Qingshui in present-day Shanxi Province.
Origins of the Bao Clan
- The surname “Bao” originates from the ancient tribal chief Taihao (Fuxi), a legendary figure in Chinese mythology. Taihao created the Eight Trigrams and taught the people how to fish and raise livestock, thus earning him the name “Paoshi” (meaning “Cooking God”). According to the “Lushi” (History of the Road), the Bao clan descended from him.
- Some members of the Bao clan trace their ancestry to Shen Baoxu, a high-ranking official of the State of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period.
- Another branch of the Bao clan originated from the Baoshi surname. According to the “Book of the Later Han,” the Bao clan of Danyang originally came from the Baoshi clan. They changed their surname from “Baoshi” to “Bao” to escape the turmoil caused by Wang Mang.
- There is also a Mongolian branch of the Bao clan, which is a direct descendant of Genghis Khan and belongs to the Golden Family (Borjigin clan), the most prominent Mongolian clan.
- The “I Ching” (Book of Changes) states: “In ancient times, the Baoxi clan ruled the world. They observed celestial phenomena and studied the laws of nature; they learned from the patterns of birds and beasts and the suitability of the land. Based on these observations, they created the Eight Trigrams to communicate with the divine and understand the nature of all things.”
Hall Names
The hall names “Gangyi Tang” (Hall of Resolute Integrity), “Qinghe Tang” (Hall of Pure River), and “Xiaosu Tang” were all named in honor of Bao Zheng. Bao Zheng was a famous and incorruptible official during the Song Dynasty. He held various positions, including Grand Secretary of the Longtu Pavilion and Governor of Kaifeng. His integrity intimidated even the nobility and eunuchs, and his name was known to everyone, young and old. After his death, he was posthumously honored with the title “Xiaosu” (Pious and Resolute).
Notable People with the Bao Surname
- Bao Xu: A prominent general of the State of Chu who restored the loyalty of his country. During the rebellion led by Wu Xu, Bao Xu sought military assistance from the State of Qin without hesitation. His loyalty and righteousness are rarely matched in history. He was married to a lady of the Yao family.
- Bao Zheng: A Han Chinese official from Hefei, Lu Zhou (now part of Anhui Province). He passed the imperial examinations during the Tian Sheng era and held various positions, including Censor-in-Chief. He proposed reforms to strengthen the military and border defenses. He was known for his integrity and was posthumously honored with the title “Xiaosu.”
Other Important Figures
- Bao Wanyou: A literary figure from the late Ming Dynasty, known for his extensive writings, including works on the differences between the five classics, historical records, and various philosophical and educational texts.