Interpretation of the Bian (卞) Totem

【Meaning】 The original meaning of Bian (卞) refers to law, standards, and regulations. Historically, Bian was interchangeable with Bian (弁), a type of ancient ceremonial headgear. These hats were categorized into "Pi Bian" (leather caps), which were considered military crowns, and "Jue Bian" (sparrow-colored caps), which were considered civil crowns. In ancient rituals, a "Mian" (crown) was used for grand auspicious ceremonies, while a "Bian" was used for standard formal occasions.

【Origin】

1. From the Ji (姬) Surname: Descended from Long Miao, the son of the Yellow Emperor. Long Miao’s son was Wu Rong, whose own son, Ji Ming, was enfeoffed in the State of Bian (modern-day Bianqiao Town, Sishui County, Shandong). He was known in history as Bian Ming, and his descendants adopted the name of the state as their surname.

2. From the Sage Bian Sui: During the time when Tang of Shang and Yi Yin plotted to overthrow Jie of Xia, there was a famous scholar named Bian Sui. Because he refused to participate in King Tang's military strategy, he committed suicide by drowning. His descendants adopted "Bian" as their surname. This branch also traces back to the Ji surname through the descendants of Wu Rong.

Clan Archives

• Founding Ancestor: Bian Ming (Descendant of the Yellow Emperor), Bian Sui

• Ancestral Birthplace: Sishui, Shandong

• County & Hall Names: Jiyang, Jiyin; Huaibi Hall, Lingyang Hall

• Current Ranking / Population: 228th / Approximately 420,000

• Song Dynasty Rank: Beyond the top 200

• Existing Genealogies: 20 volumes