□ Chen Chunyang

"Tall trees remind us of our hometown, and old documents kindle a love for our ancestral land." Overseas descendants of Hinghwa, a region celebrated for its literary heritage, embody a profound sense of patriotism and maintain a vivid connection to their roots through their writing. As early as 1947, the Hin Ann Association of Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, compiled the "Hinghwa Documents." Dr. Wang Shunlong of Singapore is a prime example of someone deeply devoted to his homeland. He holds dear the land where his parents lived during his childhood, treasures the rich culture of Hinghwa, and feels a strong sense of identity and belonging. Although I have never met Dr. Wang in person, our phone conversations revealed that his accent remains unchanged, and his love for Hinghwa and his family endures. It reminded me of the phrase, "Leaving home young and returning old, the accent remains but the hair turns grey," capturing his steadfast 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 lasting impression on me.

 

This book explores the origins of the Chinese people and the Hinghwa community, providing a thorough historical overview. It details Hinghwa’s resistance against the Yuan dynasty at the end of the Song era, the Japanese pirate raids during the Ming dynasty, and the significant border crises at the start of the Qing dynasty. The narrative celebrates the resilience of the Hinghwa people, tracing their journey from modest roots in the transportation industry, such as taxis, bicycles, and trishaws, to remarkable achievements in various fields. Hinghwa’s rich culture is meticulously depicted, encompassing imperial examination traditions, renowned officials, religious practices, Mazu worship, dialects, Sanyi religion, and folk customs. Through the perspective of overseas Hinghwa natives, the book highlights prominent overseas Chinese, scholars, and achievers in Southeast Asia, showcasing the author’s deep respect and pride in his hometown’s heritage.

 

The Hinghwa people boast a rich and ancient history. As far back as the late Neolithic period (about 5500–3500 years ago), early settlers thrived in the Hinghwa region, developing advanced and large-scale pottery-making techniques. Despite Hinghwa’s remote location in southeastern China and its unique dialect, the region has long been celebrated for producing exceptional talent. The *Da Ming Yi Tong Zhi* (Comprehensive Gazetteer of the Ming dynasty) commends Hinghwa Prefecture: "Every household is filled with scholars, and talents abound; its poetry, literature, and etiquette are among the best in Fujian." Hinghwa is renowned as a cultural center, coastal hub, majestic town, key maritime Silk Road location, and birthplace of the Sea Goddess Mazu. During the imperial examination era, Hinghwa gained fame for its academic excellence and continuous stream of officials, many of whom became pillars of society and shaped the political and literary spheres of their time. The region produced virtuous, upright officials known for their integrity, frugality, frankness, reformist spirit, and high moral character. These figures influenced the political climate and set examples for future generations. Hinghwa’s people are honest and its culture unique, evident in its opera, language, customs, cuisine, and folk arts. Early inhabitants lived in clan communities, supporting each other and growing together. These clans prioritized ancestral halls, genealogies, and family rules, passing down fine traditions that still impact today’s economic and social life. Hinghwa’s seasonal festivals are distinctive; for instance, its month-long Lantern Festival is the longest, most widespread, and most celebrated folk event in China, with several customs protected as cultural heritage. Hinghwa’s culture blends ancient Minyue traditions with influences from the Central Plains and imported Han and Tang cultures, resulting in a rich, distinctive heritage that holds a unique place within Min culture.
 

The vibrant culture of Hinghwa stirs a deep sense of belonging and patriotism in its overseas Chinese community. These individuals are part of the broader Chinese nation, united by shared roots, spirit, and dreams. Dr. Wang Shunlong’s book, *The History and Stories of Hinghwa People*, powerfully conveys the profound family ties and patriotism of Hinghwa’s overseas descendants. It reveals that regardless of how many generations have passed, even those who are "second or third generation" and cannot speak Chinese still feel a strong emotional connection to their ancestors’ homeland. When they have the chance to return, they cherish the experience, visiting ancestral homes, reconnecting with relatives, and immersing themselves in local culture. Through these encounters, their love for their country and hometown is reignited.
 

Today, more than 1.5 million Hinghwa businesspeople live abroad. Their yearning to taste hometown cuisine and speak their mother tongue, their respect for tradition, devotion to their roots, deep love for family, and traditional values of mutual support and kinship, all are admirable and worth emulating. Embodying courage and responsibility, Hinghwa natives ventured to Southeast Asia, carrying an open-minded, enterprising, and adventurous maritime spirit. Their efforts contributed to the commercial legacy that "no town can exist without Hinghwa, and no city can exist without Putian." ​​

 

The publication of Dr. Wang Shunlong’s book, *The History and Stories of the Hinghwa People*, will undoubtedly serve as an invaluable resource for leadership and education, providing lessons from history to guide the present. It is also essential for promoting and preserving the spirit of overseas Chinese and for uniting the wisdom and strength of the global Hinghwa community. The history of Putian natives abroad mirrors the broader story of overseas Chinese. The spirit they have cultivated over generations forms a significant part of Hinghwa’s material and spiritual cultural heritage and is an indispensable aspect of its identity.

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