Interpretation of the Chang (常) Clan Totem

Definition of the Character: "常" (Chang) originally referred to clothing. In ancient times, it shared the same character as "裳" (Shang/Skirt). Over time, their meanings diverged: Shang kept the original meaning of a lower garment or skirt, while Chang evolved to represent constancy, regularity, and eternity. It eventually became a term for laws, moral codes, and social order (Gangji). Furthermore, the imperial banner representing the monarch was called the "Chang Flag," embroidered with the Sun and Moon to symbolize that the Emperor's status was as eternal as the celestial bodies.

Origin: 1. Ministers of the Yellow Emperor: The earliest recorded Chang figures were the descendants of Chang Yi and Chang Xian (the Grand Minister of Works), both of whom served the Yellow Emperor at Xuanyuan Mound (modern-day Xinzheng, Henan). 2. The State of Wei (Ji Surname): Junior descendants of Kang Shu, the founder of the State of Wei during the Western Zhou, were enfeoffed in the territory of Chang (modern-day Tengzhou, Shandong). They adopted the name of their fief as their surname.

• Ancestral Founders: Chang Yi, Kang Shu

• Ancestral Homelands: Xinzheng (Henan); Tengzhou (Shandong)

• Prefectural Seats and Hall Names: Pingyuan, Taiyuan, Henei; Zhiren Hall

• Current Rank / Population: 103rd most common / Approx. 2.18 million

• Song Dynasty "Hundred Family Surnames" Rank: 80th

• Extant Genealogies: 28 volumes