Cang Clan#

Clan Name: Cang, pronounced as cāng

Distribution of the Cang Clan#

The Cang clan originated from the Wuling Commandery, established by Emperor Gao of the Han dynasty. The administrative center of Wuling was located in Yiling, which is now in the southern part of Xupu County, Hunan Province.

Origins of the Cang Clan#

The Cang surname has several possible origins:

1. It may have derived from the Ji lineage, with its roots dating back to ancient times. One of the descendants of the Yellow Emperor, named Canglin, adopted the surname Cang.
2. Another theory suggests that the Cang surname came from the character "cang" (meaning "storehouse"), which was used as a title for a bureaucratic position during the Zhou dynasty. This position was responsible for managing grain supplies.
3. In ancient times, the characters "cang" and "cang" (meaning "warehouse") were interchangeable. Cangjie, the legendary inventor of Chinese characters, is sometimes referred to as Cangjie in ancient texts. It is possible that the Cang surname evolved from this usage.
4. Some believe the Cang surname originated from the combination of the names "Cang" and "Canglin."

Ancestral Figures The earliest ancestors of the Cang clan are Cangshu and Canglin. According to the "Fengsu Tong," the Cang clan descended from Cangshu, a talented descendant of Emperor Zhuanxu of the Han dynasty, who was one of the "Eight Heroes" (Bakai). Cangshu's descendants adopted the surname Cang.

Migration and Distribution The Cang clan is not among the top 100 most common surnames in mainland China or Taiwan.

Historical Notes The Yellow Emperor, a renowned tribal leader, is revered as the ancestor of the Chinese nation. One of his sons, Canglin, gave rise to the Cang lineage. Emperors Zhuanxu and his eight talented descendants (known as the "Eight Heroes") also contributed to Chinese civilization. The Cang clan has spread throughout China, with significant populations in regions such as Wuling Commandery (present-day Xupu County, Hunan Province).

Hall Names Common hall names for the Cang clan include "Chuangwen Tang" (Hall of Character Creation), reflecting the clan's association with the invention of Chinese characters.

Couplets for the Cang Clan Ancestral Hall These couplets highlight the historical and cultural significance of the Cang clan:

• "The clan originates from the descendants of the emperor; its prominence dates back to Wuling." This couplet refers to the clan's ancestry and historical roots in Wuling Commandery.
• "The character 'cang' symbolizes wealth; its creator, Cangjie, is revered." This couplet honors Cangjie and his role in the development of Chinese characters.
• "The clan's wisdom has endured for millennia; its benevolence is celebrated throughout history." This couplet emphasizes the clan's enduring influence and kindness.

The Cang clan has a rich cultural heritage and a long history, with its roots dating back to ancient times.