Interpretation of the Long (龍) Clan Totem

Definition of the Character: "龍" (Long) is the primal totem shared by the entire Chinese nation. It serves as a living historical memory of one of the world's oldest civilizations, representing power, luck, and divinity.

Origin: 1. Official of the Yellow Emperor: According to the Origin of Surnames and the Bamboo Annals, Long Xing was a minister under the Yellow Emperor (who resided in Youxiong, modern-day Xinzheng, Henan). This is considered the earliest branch of the Long clan. 2. State of Longfang: Oracle bone inscriptions from the Shang Dynasty mention "Longfang," an ancient state affiliated with the Shang. 3. Official under Emperor Shun: A minister named Long served under Emperor Shun as a Nayan (an official responsible for proclaiming imperial decrees). His descendants adopted his name as their surname. 4. The Dragon Raiser (Huanlong Shi): Dong Fu, a descendant of the Yellow Emperor, was an expert in the habits of dragons. He raised dragons for Emperor Shun and was bestowed the title Huanlong Shi (The Clan that Raises Dragons), which later became the Long surname. 5. The Dragon Tamer (Yulong Shi): Liu Lei, a descendant of Emperor Yao, learned the art of dragon taming from the Huanlong clan. The Xia Emperor Kongjia bestowed upon him the surname Yulong Shi (The Clan that Drives Dragons), later simplified to Long.

• Ancestral Founder: Long Xing (Minister of the Yellow Emperor)

• Ancestral Homeland: Xinzheng, Henan Province

• Prefectural Seats and Hall Names: Wuyang, Wuling, Tianshui; Shishi Hall

• Current Rank / Population: 84th most common / Approx. 2.81 million

• Song Dynasty "Hundred Family Surnames" Rank: 256th

• Extant Genealogies: 102 volumes