Source:

01-13-2006 16:59

Superstitious beliefs were important for Huizhou buildings. The choice of door-gods could affect a family’s fortunes. The Hu clan thought their later prosperity was thanks to changing the gods at the entrance to their ancestral temple. Belief in geomancy, or feng shui, determined the layout of whole villages and cities. The Wang family made up the bulk of people in Hongcun village. For all the clan’s hard work, it hadn’t become rich. So, a geomancer was hired to redesign the village.

Huizhou was a prosperous area. This was mostly due to its trade and business, rather than agriculture. Businesses were mostly family-run and funded. More influential families with members in local government could acquire monopolies and amassed an enormous amount of wealth. Family influence could also provide protection from Imperial prosecution. Unlike modern businesses, only a small percentage of the profits was reinvested. The bulk was spent on facilities for the clan. The region is famous for its ancestral temples and memorial arches. Most of these were built with profits from trade. Money was also available for providing education. Only success in the Imperial examinations could guarantee the clan’s continuing prestige and wealth.

 

Editor:Wang Ping