The Chā Clan#

Chā is the surname, pronounced as zhā.

Distribution of the Chā Clan#

• Qi County: In the early Western Han Dynasty, Linzi County was renamed Qi County, which is located in present-day Linzi County, Shandong Province.
• Hailing County: Known as Haiyang during the Zhou Dynasty, it was renamed Hailing in the early Han Dynasty. In the sixth year of Emperor Wu of the Western Han Dynasty (117 BCE), Hailing County was established. In the seventh year of the Yixi era of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (411 CE), it was promoted to Hailing County. During the first year of the Kaihuang era of Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty, the county system was adopted instead of the prefecture system. In the third year of the Wude era of Emperor Gaozu of the Tang Dynasty (620 CE), it was renamed Wuling County, and Wuzhou was established based on this county. The Yangwu administrative system was also set up here.
• Jiyang County: The Jiyang County of the Han Dynasty was located northeast of present-day Lankao, Henan Province. During the Western Jin Dynasty, Jiyang County was established here but was later abolished. In the early Tang Dynasty, it was merged into Yuanju County.

Origins of the Chā Clan#

The Chā surname has four origins:

1. From the Jiang family: Descendants of the Yan Emperor, originating from the noble family of the State of Qi during the Spring and Autumn Period, they took the name of their fief as their surname. The son of Duke Qing of Qi was granted the fief of Zha, and his descendants adopted this as their surname, later simplifying it to Chā.
2. From the Mi family: A noble official from the State of Chu was granted the fief of Zha during the Spring and Autumn Period, and his descendants also took this as their surname.
3. From the name of the fief: During the Spring and Autumn Period, a lord from the State of Chu was granted the fief of Zha, and his descendants adopted the name of the fief as their surname.
4. Among some ethnic minorities: For example, during the Qing Dynasty, some Manchu people living in the Shenyang area adopted the Chā surname. Additionally, some people from the Eight Banners of Manchu also changed their surname to Chā. Other ethnic groups such as the Yi, Dai, Tujia, Hani, and Mongolian also have people with the Chā surname.

Ancestor of the Chā Clan

Duke Qing of Qi is regarded as the ancestor of the Chā clan. The Chā surname originated from the Jiang family and originated in the Shandong region. According to historical records, the son of Duke Qing of Qi was granted the fief of Zha, and his descendants adopted this as their surname. Over time, the surname was simplified to Chā.

Distribution and Migration

The Chā surname is not among the top 100 most common surnames in mainland China or Taiwan. The Chā surname originated from a place name from ancient times. During the Spring and Autumn Period, a prince of the State of Qi enjoyed the resources of the Zha area, and his descendants adopted the name of the fief as their surname. The Chā clan flourished during the Ming and Qing dynasties and has spread throughout China, with significant populations in provinces such as Shandong, Anhui, Jiangsu, and others.

Hall Names of the Chā Clan

• Qingrong Hall: During the Song Dynasty, a person named Chā Shen lived in seclusion and studied. The local governor recommended him to the court, but he refused to become an official. The governor built a house for him in the western part of the city and named it "Qingrong Hall," where he taught students throughout the county.
• Hailing Hall: According to historical records, the Chā clan originated from Qi County and flourished as a prominent family during the Southern Tang Dynasty.

Couplets for the Chā Clan Ancestral Hall

• Couplets for the Chā Clan Ancestral Hall (Four-character):

  • "The Chā surname began in Zha; the Chā family rose in prominence in Hailing." (This couplet refers to the origins of the Chā surname and its prominence in Hailing County.)
  • "The lineage traces back to the Jiang family; its prominence emerges from Hailing." (This couplet highlights the connection between the Chā surname and the Qi region.)

• Couplets for the Chā Clan Ancestral Hall (Five-character):

  • "Magnificent halls welcome purple swallows; tall trees reach for the blue sky." (This couplet describes the elegance of the Chā clan.)
  • "Scholars excel in their studies; the clan is renowned among the four distinguished families." (This couplet celebrates the achievements of the Chā clan.)

The Chā clan has a long and prestigious history, with roots dating back to the Spring and Autumn Period and flourishing during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its members have contributed to various fields, including literature, art, and history.