A Message from Professor Chen Chunyang

 

Professor Chen Chunyang
Research Librarian
Director, Putian University Library
Executive Vice President, Putian Culture Research Institute

 

 

“Tall trees remind us of our homeland, while old records kindle our love for our ancestral land.”

 

The overseas descendants of Hinghwa, a region renowned for its literary and cultural heritage, have long demonstrated a deep love for their homeland and maintained a strong connection with their roots through their writings. As early as 1947, the Hin Ann Association of Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, compiled the Hinghwa Documents. Dr Wang Shunlong of Singapore is another outstanding example of someone deeply devoted to his ancestral homeland.

 

He cherishes the land where his parents lived and where he spent part of his childhood. He treasures the rich culture of Hinghwa and has a strong sense of identity and belonging. Although I have never met Dr Wang in person, our telephone conversations revealed that his accent remains unchanged and that his affection for Hinghwa and his family remains as strong as ever. It brought to mind the well-known saying, “One leaves home young and returns old; the accent remains unchanged, but the hair has turned grey.” The saying aptly reflects his enduring affection for his birthplace and loved ones.

 

Dr Wang’s three-year commitment to compiling The History and Stories of the Hinghwa People left a deep impression on me.

 

The book explores the origins of the Chinese people and the Hinghwa community, providing a comprehensive overview of their history. It recounts the resistance of the Hinghwa people against the Yuan dynasty at the end of the Song dynasty, the Japanese pirate raids during the Ming dynasty, and the serious crises along the borders at the beginning of the Qing dynasty.

 

The book also traces the resilience of the Hinghwa people, from their humble beginnings in occupations such as taxi driving, bicycle transport and trishaw riding to their remarkable achievements in a wide range of fields. It provides a detailed account of Hinghwa culture, including the imperial examination tradition, renowned officials, religious practices, Mazu worship, the Hinghwa dialect, Sanyi religion and traditional folk customs.

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From the perspective of the overseas Hinghwa community, the book also highlights prominent overseas Chinese, scholars and accomplished individuals in Southeast Asia, reflecting the author's deep respect for and pride in the heritage of his ancestral homeland.

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The Hinghwa people have a long and rich history. As far back as the Late Neolithic period, approximately 5,500 to 3,500 years ago, early inhabitants flourished in the Hinghwa region and developed advanced, large-scale pottery-making techniques. Despite Hinghwa's location in southeastern China and its distinctive dialect, the region has long been renowned for producing outstanding talent.

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The Da Ming Yi Tong Zhi (Comprehensive Gazetteer of the Ming Dynasty) praised Hinghwa Prefecture, stating that “every household is filled with scholars and talents abound,” and that its poetry, literature and observance of etiquette ranked among the finest in Fujian.

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Hinghwa became renowned as a centre of culture and learning, a coastal hub, a place of grandeur, an important location along the Maritime Silk Road, and the birthplace of the Sea Goddess Mazu.

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During the era of the imperial examinations, Hinghwa became celebrated for its academic excellence and its continuous succession of officials. Many rose to become pillars of society and played important roles in the political and literary life of their times. The region produced many virtuous and upright officials known for their integrity, frugality, forthrightness, reformist spirit and high moral character. Their conduct influenced the political climate of their times and provided examples for later generations.

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The people of Hinghwa are known for their honesty, while their culture is distinctive and vibrant. This can be seen in their opera, language, customs, cuisine and folk arts. In earlier times, people lived in clan communities in which they supported one another and progressed together. These clans placed great importance on ancestral halls, genealogies and family rules, passing down traditions that continue to influence the economic and social life of the community today.

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Hinghwa's traditional festivals are distinctive. Its month-long Lantern Festival, for example, is regarded as one of the longest, most widespread and most celebrated folk festivals in China, and several of its customs have been recognised as cultural heritage.

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Hinghwa culture incorporates ancient Minyue traditions together with influences from the Central Plains and the cultures introduced during the Han and Tang dynasties. This has resulted in a rich and distinctive heritage that occupies a unique place within Min culture.

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The vibrant culture of Hinghwa inspires a deep sense of belonging and attachment to the homeland among its overseas Chinese community. These descendants are part of the broader Chinese nation, united by common roots, shared values and aspirations. Dr Wang Shunlong’s The History and Stories of the Hinghwa People conveys powerfully the deep family bonds and love of homeland shared by the overseas descendants of Hinghwa.

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The book shows that, regardless of how many generations have passed, even among those who are second- or third-generation descendants and can no longer speak Chinese, there remains a strong emotional connection with their ancestral homeland. When they have an opportunity to return, they treasure the experience — visiting their ancestral homes, reconnecting with relatives and immersing themselves in the local culture. Through these encounters, their affection for their homeland and ancestral hometown is rekindled.

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Today, more than 1.5 million Hinghwa businesspeople live overseas. Their longing for the cuisine of their hometown and their mother tongue, their respect for tradition, devotion to their roots, love for their families, and traditional values of mutual support and kinship are all admirable qualities worthy of emulation.

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With courage and a strong sense of responsibility, generations of Hinghwa people ventured to Southeast Asia, carrying with them an open-minded, enterprising and adventurous maritime spirit.

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Their efforts contributed to the commercial legacy expressed in the saying:

 

“No town can exist without Hinghwa, and no city can exist without Putian.”

The publication of Dr Wang Shunlong’s The History and Stories of the Hinghwa People will undoubtedly serve as a valuable resource for education and leadership, drawing lessons from history to illuminate the present. It is also important for promoting and preserving the spirit of the overseas Chinese community and for bringing together the wisdom and strength of the global Hinghwa community.

The history of Putian people living overseas reflects, in many ways, the broader history of the overseas Chinese.

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The spirit cultivated by generations of Hinghwa people forms an important part of their material and spiritual cultural heritage and is an indispensable component of their identity.

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