A Brief Study on the Differences and Similarities between Clan Names and Surnames in the Inscriptions on Bronze Wares of the Shang and Zhou Dynasties
Clan names and family names have distinct temporal and ethnic correspondences,but the specific differences and connections between the two need to be explored.There are overlaps and significant differences between the two in terms of concepts,sources,and connotations.In terms of specific usage,clan names have independence and do not have a direct semantic association with other contents of the same inscription,so they are intentionally annotated separately;Family names gener-ally appear in inscriptions as part of personal names,rather than being intentionally labeled.This is one of the important differences between clan names and family names,or it is related to the evolution of the mentality and the awakening of individual consciousness of the craftsmen during the Western Zhou period.On the other hand,clan names and family names are essentially the same,both being self identification of a certain blood related organization.The phenomenon of"imitating clan names"and married women using their husband's clan names as self-identity markers during the Western Zhou period fundamentally stems from the similarity in their nature,and also reflects the historical process of cultural differences between the Shang and Zhou dynasties and the integration and alternation of Shang and Zhou cultures during the Western Zhou period.
clan namefamily nameimitating clan namethe reform of the Shang and Zhou Dy-nasties
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