Interpretation of the Dai (戴) Clan Totem

Definition of the Character: The original meaning of "戴" (Dai) is "to place or add upon." Specifically, it refers to wearing things on the body—such as pinning flowers in the hair, donning clothes, or putting on a hat. In ancient totemic terms, it symbolizes decoration, ritual, and the "crowning" of one's status.

Origin: The Dai surname has two primary historical roots:

• 1. From the Zi (子) Surname (Duke Dai of Song): In the State of Song (established in modern-day Shangqiu, Henan), the grandson of Duke Hui and father of Duke Wu ruled from 799 BC to 766 BC. After his death, he was given the posthumous title "Dai," known historically as Duke Dai of Song. Some of his grandsons adopted his title as their surname.

  2. From the Ji (姬) Surname (State of Dai): Among the vassal states enfeoffed during the Western Zhou was the State of Dai (Ji surname), located east of modern-day Minquan, Henan. In 713 BC, the State of Dai was conquered by the State of Zheng. The descendants adopted the name of their fallen state as their surname.

• Ancestral Founder: Dai Hui (Duke Dai of Song)

• Ancestral Homelands: Shangqiu and Minquan, Henan Province

• Prefectural Seats and Hall Names: Qiaojun, Guangling, Qinghe; Dubu Hall

• Current Rank / Population: 64th most common / Approx. 4.49 million

• Song Dynasty "Hundred Family Surnames" Rank: 116th

• Extant Genealogies: 293 volumes