Interpretation of the Quan (权) Clan Totem

Definition & Meaning

Quan (权) originally refers to the "Yellow Flower Tree" (a species of tree that produces yellow blossoms).

• Another primary meaning of Quan is the "sliding weight" of a steelyard scale—a universally recognized standard for measuring weight.

• As a tool, it represents the ability to weigh objects to ensure fairness and to distinguish between light and heavy.

• This evolved into extended meanings such as power (权力), authority (权威), rights (权利), and strategic judgment.

Origins

1. Descendants of the Ancient Ge Tian Clan: Legend says that during remote antiquity, there was a tribe known as the Ge Tian Clan in the Central Plains. According to the historical text Lu Shi, "Ge Tian was also known as Quan Tian," and his descendants later adopted the surname Quan.

2. Derived from the State of Quan: A son of King Wu Ding of the Shang Dynasty was enfeoffed in the territory of Quan (present-day Dangyang, Hubei) with the noble rank of Duke, establishing the State of Quan. He is historically known as Quan Wen Ding. During the Spring and Autumn period, the State of Chu conquered Quan and relocated its descendants to the city of Na (present-day Jingmen, Hubei). These descendants adopted their former state's name as their surname.

Clan Heritage & Statistics

• Ancestral Founder: Descendants of the ancient emperor Ge Tian

• Ancestral Birthplace: Xinzheng and Changge, Henan

• Prefectural Seats (Junwang): Tianshui, Longxi

• Hall Name (Tanghao): Zhenxiao Tang ("Hall of Chastity and Filial Piety")

• Modern Ranking / Population: Ranked 296th / Approximately 191,000 people

• Song Dynasty "Hundred Family Surnames" Rank: 260th

• Existing Family Genealogies: 3 volumes currently preserved

宋 版 百 家 姓  *  Song Dynasty BaiJiaXing