The Wei Clan#

Clan Name: Wei, pronounced as "wèi"

Distribution of the Wei Clan#

Julu Commandery: Established in the 25th year of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's reign (222 BCE), its administrative center was located in Julu (now southwest of Pingxiang, Hebei Province). This area roughly corresponds to the region south of Baiyangdian and Wen'anwa in Hebei, west of the South Canal, east of Gaoyang and Ningjin counties, north of Pingxiang and Weixian counties, and between Dezhou and Gaotang in Shandong Province, as well as Guantao in Hebei.

Rencheng Commandery: During the Xia and Shang dynasties, it was known as the Reng state; in the Zhou dynasty, it became the Reng and ? states. After Qin unified China, Rencheng Commandery and Kangfu County were established. In the Western Han dynasty, they belonged to the Dongping state. Emperor Zhang of the Eastern Han dynasty split the Dongping state to create Rencheng Commandery. During the Three Kingdoms period, the state of Wei established Rencheng Commandery (around present-day Weishan County, Shandong Province). The Western Jin dynasty re-established Rencheng Commandery. In the first year of Emperor Xiaoming of the Northern Wei dynasty (518 CE), a portion of Gaoping Commandery was separated to form Rencheng Commandery, with its administrative center moved to Rencheng Road in present-day Jining City, which was then under the jurisdiction of Yanzhou. In the Northern Qi dynasty, Kangfu County was abolished.

During the Sui, Tang, and Five Dynasties periods, the name of Rencheng Commandery remained unchanged, although its administrative affiliation varied. In the second year of the Guangshun era of the Later Zhou dynasty (952 CE), Jizhou was established, and Rencheng became part of it. In the second year of the Tiande era of the Jin dynasty (1150 CE), Jizhou was relocated to Rencheng. Between the Yuan dynasty's Zhiyuan era (1279 CE) and other periods, the administrative center of Jizhou shifted several times between Julu and Rencheng. The name "Jining" originated in the Yuan dynasty's Zhiyuan era (1279 CE).

Origins of the Wei Clan#

The origin of the "Wei" clan name can be traced to the following sources:

1. From the Ji clan: The clan name derived from a place name. According to the "New Book of Tang: Genealogy of Prime Ministers" and the "Yuanhe Clan Compilation," during the Spring and Autumn period, Bi Wan, a descendant of Duke Bi Gao, served as a high-ranking official in the state of Jin. In 661 BCE, Duke Xian of Jin granted Bi Wan a fief at that location (present-day Ruicheng County, Shanxi Province). Bi Wan's descendant, Wei Si, along with the states of Zhao and Han, founded their own kingdoms after the division of Jin. Wei Si established the state of Wei, with its capital in Anyi (now Xia County, Shanxi Province), and became one of the Seven Warring States. In 225 BCE, Wei was conquered by Qin, and the royal family dispersed, adopting the name of their former kingdom.

2. From the Mi clan: This branch descended from Emperor Zhuanxu and was later changed to the Wei surname. According to historical records, during the Warring States period, Wei Ran, a minister and uncle of Empress Xuan, the mother of King Zhaoxiang of Qin, was originally from the state of Chu and changed his surname to Wei.

3. From other surnames: Some individuals changed their surnames to Wei for various reasons:

   • From the Gao clan: For example, Wei Liaoweng from the Southern Song dynasty, a Jinshi (successful candidate in the imperial examinations), originally surnamed Gao, changed his surname to Wei.
   • From the Li clan: For example, Wei Xiao from the Ming dynasty, whose ancestors were originally surnamed Li, changed their surname to Wei.
   • From ethnic minorities: Many members of ethnic minorities, such as the Manchu (Wochehese), Wa, and Ewenki, adopted the Wei surname.

Founding Ancestor of the Wei Clan: Bi Wan is considered the founding ancestor of the Wei clan. According to historical records, the Wei clan is a direct descendant of the Ji clan of the Yellow Emperor. Bi Wan, one of Duke Wen of Zhou's fifteen sons, was granted a fief at Bi (north of present-day Xi'an and Xianyang, Shaanxi Province). After the state of Bi was conquered, his descendants served as officials in the state of Jin. Duke Xian of Jin, recognizing Bi Wan's contributions in conquering neighboring states, granted him the territory of Wei. Bi Wan's descendant, Wei Si, founded the state of Wei with its capital in Anyi. When Wei was conquered by Qin in 225 BCE, the royal family adopted the name of their former kingdom as their clan name.

Migration and Distribution: The Wei clan first originated in the northern part of present-day Hebei Province and the southern part of Shanxi Province. During the early Qin and Han dynasties, they mainly developed and multiplied within these regions, with some also residing in present-day Hubei and Hunan provinces. During the Qin and Han periods, the clan produced many prominent figures, such as Wei Wuji, one of the "Four Nobles of the Warring States." After the Qin dynasty, some members of the Wei clan migrated to present-day Shaanxi Province. During the Three Kingdoms, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties, due to political turmoil, many Wei clan members moved south to Sichuan, Jiangxi, Gansu, and Ningxia. During the Yuan dynasty, the clan's influence expanded further, with many members settling in these areas. By the Song dynasty, the Wei clan had become a prominent clan throughout China.

Hall Names of the Wei Clan**#

Common hall names for the Wei clan include "Jiuhetang" (Hall of Unity) and "Julutang" (Hall of Julu), reflecting the clan's historical significance and regional origins. Other hall names include "Jingiaitang" (Hall of Respect and Love), "Zhili Tang" (Hall of Rituals), and "Shisitang" (Hall of Ten Reflections).

Clan Characteristics:

1. The Wei clan has a long history and has produced numerous notable figures in various fields such as economy, politics, culture, and military.
2. The clan's traditions and values have been well-preserved throughout history.
3. The generation order within the clan is strictly maintained.
4. The clan has a strong presence in both the north and south of China.