The Shu Clan#

Clan Name: Shu, pronounced as “shū”

Distribution of the Shu Clan#

Wugong Commandery: Established during the Warring States period by Duke Xiao; its administrative center was located to the east of present-day Meixian County, Shaanxi Province. Later, a separate Wugong County was established.

Origin of the Shu Clan#

There are three theories regarding the origin of the Shu Clan:

1. The clan originated from the Jiang family, as a reward for meritorious service. According to legend, Bo Ling, a descendant of the Yan Emperor (Shennong), fell in love at first sight with A Nu Yuan Fu, the wife of Wu Quan, a commoner, and the two married in secret. Yuan Fu later gave birth to three sons for Bo Ling. The third son, named Shu, was the inventor of the arrow target. For this achievement, Emperor Yao granted him the title of Marquis Shu and the surname Shu.

2. The clan name was derived from the name of a type of weapon. In ancient times, a grand celebration was held on the first day of each year, during which armed forces would parade for inspection. Each unit was led by a general. The “Shu” weapon was a bamboo-made weapon that was twelve feet long, with a non-metallic blade and an eight-edged, pointed tip. The descendants of these generals adopted the name “Shu” as their clan name.

3. The clan also originated from the You family. When Shun was the tribal leader, a member of the You clan named Shu? served as a minister to Shun. The descendants of Shu? adopted their ancestor’s name “Shu” as their clan name. (Refer to “Tongzhi: Clans and Lineages” for more details.)

Notable figures from the Shu clan include the Taoist Shu Ji Zhen of the Southern Song Dynasty and the female calligrapher Shu Mo of the Qing Dynasty. In Tongxiang, Zhejiang, the name “Shu” is pronounced as “Shi” instead of “SHU.” Shu Mo was from Jiaxing, Zhejiang, which is a city under the jurisdiction of Jiaxing.

Ancestor of the Clan

In ancient times, the “Shu” weapon was a bamboo-made weapon used for hunting and warfare. Before metal tools were invented, people would dance with these weapons as a form of training, as well as in religious ceremonies to inspire courage. During celebrations, there were parade units equipped with these weapons, and the leaders of these units adopted the name of their weapons as their clan name.

Distribution of the Clan

The Shu clan is not among the top 100 most common surnames in mainland China or Taiwan. The clan originates from the Jiang family. The “Shu” weapon was a significant tool in ancient times; it is said that an ancestor of the Yan Emperor (Shennong) invented the arrow target, and Emperor Yao granted him the title of Marquis Shu and the surname Shu. Another theory suggests that the clan name came from a military officer who led these parade units.

Common Couplets for Shu Clan Ancestral Halls

Four-character couplets for Shu Clan Ancestral Halls:

• Derived from weapons; known for Wugong. (Alluding to the clan’s origin and its association with Wugong Commandery.)
• A worthy minister to the Yu dynasty; a virtuous name from the Min region. (Referencing the minister Shu? during the Yu Shun era.)

Five-character couplets for Shu Clan Ancestral Halls:

• Three filial sons in the family; two renowned individuals. (Referencing the filial sons Shu Bang Qing and his brothers, who were famous for their piety.)
• Great martial skills; endless merits praised through generations. (Honoring the clan’s martial traditions and achievements.)

Seven-character couplets for Shu Clan Ancestral Halls:

• Widely spread martial arts; renowned for their teachings. (Referencing the clan’s cultural heritage.)
• A brief exile on the Jade Terrace; composing poetic verses. (Alluding to the literary achievements of the Qing Dynasty’s Shu Mo.)

These couplets reflect the history, traditions, and achievements of the Shu clan.