Preface To The Genealogy Of Feng Jang Yuan’s Family

(Revision )

 

 

The Chinese have surnames because our ancestors were very particular about human relationships.  It is divided into father and son, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives and friends.  Brothers and sisters are not allowed to marry each other.  The brothers should not deceive their sisters-in-law, or the wives of their friends.  This helps to consolidate the human relationship.  The surname also serves to keep consanguinity intact.

 

In the past, persons of the same surname cannot marry.  This is to keep the clan healthy.  It is said that if persons of the same surname were to be married, their issues are few and not healthy.  At first, I did not believe it.  Later, when I learned chemistry, I learned that atom if their valences are close; they cannot merge well and form new materials.  The further they are apart, the better.  The fruits of a plant of Mandarin orange budded with the pummelo tree are bigger and sweeter.  The children of the mixed blood are cleverer and more beautiful. This is one proof. 

 

In society, Confucius taught us to regulate ourselves, to keep our family in good order and then to serve the society and the nation.  In a good family, there is fraternity among the brothers and sisters.  Hence, the friendship among the clansmen is built.. It is something like glue that unites the clan and the society.  It can help one another in time of need.

 

In the Chinese culture, there are two specialties that are not found in other cultures.  They are the genealogy of surname and the clan dynasty or epoch.  Surnames have no boundary and the epoch has no age limit.  Wherever one is, one is still a member of the clan of Chinese origin.  One should pay his loyalty to the country of his abode, because he enjoys the prosperity of that country.  We the Fengs, the descendants of Bi Gong Gao, should do the same, no matter where we are, in Singapore, Malaysia or anywhere else in the world.

Now, cousin , Swee Khow, who has spent many years of hard work to compile a new genealogy of the Fengs, and has translated it into English.  From now on, the descendants of Feng Jang Yuan, whether they Chinese or English educated, will be able to know their roots.  To know who and who are their uncles or aunts, who and who are their cousins etc.  Thus the fraternity of brotherhood will be forever.

 

By Feng Jia Xian, BSc (EC)

22nd (43rd) generation.

3rd April 1993

 

Translated by Feng Ru Qiau (Foong Swee Khow)

22nd (43rd) generation.