Interpretation of the Cai Clan Totem

 [Definition] The character "Cai" (蔡) is a compound ideograph composed of the "grass" radical (艹) and "Ji" (祭 - to sacrifice). The original meaning of "Cai" is related to the act of sacrifice.

[Origin] Originating in Shangcai and Xincai, Henan. In the 11th century BC, after King Wu of Zhou (Ji Fa) defeated the Shang Dynasty, he enfeoffed his meritorious officials and brothers. He granted his younger brother, Shu Du (the fifth son of King Wen of Zhou), the land of Cai (present-day Shangcai, Henan), establishing the State of Cai. Cai Shu Du, along with his brother Guan Shu Xian and younger brother Huo Shu Chu, was ordered to assist and supervise Wu Geng (the son of the defeated King Zhou of Shang), who had been enfeoffed in the old Shang capital to manage the remnants of the Shang people; this group was known historically as the "Three Overseers." Later, Cai Zhong (son of Shu Du) achieved outstanding political achievements in the State of Lu. Consequently, the Duke of Zhou re-enfeoffed him in the land of Cai to continue the ancestral sacrifices to Shu Du. The State of Cai was eventually conquered by the State of Chu, and the descendants adopted the state's name as their surname.

• Ancestral Founders: Cai Shu Du, Cai Zhong

• Ancestral Homeland: Shangcai and Xincai, Henan

• Prefectural Seats (Junwang) and Hall Names: Jiyang, Ru'nan, Luoyang; Nanyang Hall

• Current Ranking / Population: 34th / Approx. 7.01 million

• Song Dynasty "Hundred Family Surnames" Rank: 137th

• Extant Genealogical Records: 486 volumes