The Dou Clan#

Surname: Dou, pronounced as dòu

Distribution of the Dou Clan**#

• Xi Fufeng Commandery and Hebei Guanjin Commandery: According to "Fengsu Tong," during the time of Emperor Xia, his consort faced difficulties. While pregnant, she fled to a cave (called "Dou") and gave birth to Shaokang, from whom the Dou clan originated. This branch of the clan has its roots in Fufeng, Qinghe, and Henan.
• Fufeng Commandery: Established by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty as one of the Three Auxiliaries. Its administrative center is now in Xianyang, Shaanxi Province. During the Three Kingdoms period, it was renamed Fufeng Commandery under the Cao Wei regime and was located in Huaili (southeast of present-day Xingping, Shaanxi).
• Henan Commandery: Established by Emperor Shi of the Han Dynasty, originally part of the Qin's Sanchuan Commandery, with its administrative center in Luoyang (around present-day Luoyang, Henan Province). During the Sui and Tang dynasties, it was known as Yuzhou Henan Commandery.
• Qinghe Commandery: Administered from Qingyang (southeast of present-day Qinghe, Hebei Province) during the Han Dynasty. In the Eastern Han, it was part of the Qinghe Kingdom and later moved to Ganling (east of present-day Linqing, Shandong Province). This branch of the clan has continued to thrive in these regions.

Origins of the Dou Clan**#

There are four theories regarding the origin of the Dou surname:

1. From the Si surname: Shaokang, a descendant of the Xia Emperor, adopted the name of the place where he fled (Dou) as his surname. This theory is supported by historical records such as "Fengsu Yanyi," "New Book of Tang: Genealogy of Prime Ministers," "Fengsu Tong," and "Shangyou Lu." According to these texts, Emperor Xia neglected state affairs and indulged in hunting, leading his brothers and consort to flee to the south of the Luo River. When they did not return after more than 100 days, they were captured by the Youqiong people. Consort Houming gave birth to Shaokang in a cave near the Luo River. After Shaokang's rise to power, he granted his sons Shu and Chong the Dou surname.
2. From the Di ethnic group: This theory suggests that the Dou surname originated among the Di people, who were distributed in present-day Shaanxi, Gansu, and Sichuan. Historical records mention a Di king named Dou Mao.
3. From ethnic minorities granted the Dou surname: Some members of ethnic minorities were granted the Dou surname during different dynasties.
4. From the state of Youren: Shaokang, after losing his throne, granted the Dou surname to his sons Shu and Chong in recognition of their ancestors.

Patriarch of the Dou Clan: Shaokang is considered the patriarch of the Dou clan. According to the "Book of Tang: Genealogy of Prime Ministers," the Dou surname originated from the Si surname. After Shaokang's restoration, his sons Shu and Chong adopted the Dou surname, which has been passed down through generations.

Distribution and Genealogy

The Dou clan is not among the top 100 most common surnames in mainland China or Taiwan. Its origins date back to the Xia Dynasty and it is a descendant of Yu the Great. The clan has developed significant influential branches in Fufeng and Henan provinces, becoming prominent local families due to their historical significance.

Common Clan Hall Names: The main hall names for the Dou clan include "Shihe Hall" and "Cheng'en Hall."

Couplets for the Dou Clan Ancestral Hall:

• Couplets for the Four-Character Version:
  • Originating from the Si surname; with roots in Fufeng. (Alluding to the clan's origins and historical connections in Fufeng.)
  • Four ministers renowned throughout history; three emperors honored. (Honoring notable figures from the clan's past.)
  • Drinking clean water; benefiting from irrigation channels. (Referencing the importance of water and irrigation in the clan's region.)
  • Descending from Shaokang; originating from Youren. (Celebrating the clan's heritage.)
  • The Dou clan's blessings in the Hexi region; the fame of the Zhangwu family. (Referencing historical figures from the Hexi region.)

Couplets for the Five-Character Version:

• The green mountains by the sea; the red apricot trees by the stream. (Describing the beautiful landscape associated with the clan.)
• Talented individuals famous throughout the land; the might of the Xia kings spread throughout the regions. (Honoring the clan's achievements and influence.)

The Dou clan has a rich history and a long-standing reputation, with notable figures in various Chinese dynasties.