Biane Customs
01 · Historical Records
In the seventh year of the Taiping Xingguo era of the Northern Song dynasty (982 AD), Huichang was formally established as a county, and from that time the custom of hanging plaques took root here. Hakka plaques originated in traditional ancestral-hall architecture: the ancestral tablets, hall names, and plaques recording official honors or longevity found within the halls all embody profound Hakka cultural connotations. Most of these plaques were written by famous figures and court ministers of the Ming and Qing dynasties, by jinshi (presented scholars, including zhuangyuan, bangyan, and tanhua graduates), by juren (recommended scholars), and by successive county magistrates of Huichang.
02 · Core Techniques & Process
Southern Jiangxi (Gannan), as the first stop of the Hakka forefathers' southward migration from the Central Plains, has long been known as the 'Cradle of the Hakka'. Here, cultural foundations run deep, and the Southern Jiangxi Hakka plaque custom has a long history and many-layered significance. The formation of the Southern Jiangxi Hakka plaque custom is closely tied to the southward migration of northern gentry families. Over time, it took root in the Southern Jiangxi region and spread throughout its counties. Among them, the plaque custom of Huichang County is particularly prominent, with deep historical accumulation, a well-preserved state, and distinctive features. These plaques have a long history, far-reaching influence, and deep meanings, vividly displaying the cultural character of Southern Jiangxi Hakka folklore: tracing roots, valuing culture and education, and engaging actively in society. First, the family or individual wishing to hang a plaque makes an application, clearly stating their wish and purpose; next, an auspicious date and time are chosen by traditional means to ensure the hanging ceremony proceeds smoothly; then the details of the plaque's content, calligraphy style, and material are settled to ensure its message is conveyed accurately; before the hanging, the plaque is paraded for display within a certain area, drawing more people to know of it and take part; a plaque-worship ceremony is then held to express respect to the ancestors and gods and to pray for their protection and blessing; the covering cloth is then removed to formally unveil the plaque's contents; after the key step of hanging the plaque is completed, a banquet is held to invite relatives and friends to celebrate together and share the joy. The 'Hall of a Hundred Plaques' in Huichang County is an important window onto Southern Jiangxi Hakka plaque culture, displaying more than 130 representative folk plaques. Plaques symbolize the character and ideals of their owners and carry the mission of fostering kinship and promoting filial piety. The Southern Jiangxi Hakka plaque custom has an inspiring and motivating effect on later generations and plays a role that cannot be ignored in safeguarding the stability of families, clans, and local society.
Applying and choosing an auspicious day
Those who wish to hang a plaque first apply and state their purpose, then choose an auspicious day in the traditional way; the sequence shows the plaque is not hung on impulse.
Settling the wording and form
The wording, the script and the material are then settled so that the intended sense is conveyed exactly; the text may come from a noted scholar or an official.
The parade of the plaque
Before hanging, the plaque is paraded through the neighbourhood with drums and gong so that a family’s deed becomes the clan’s celebration.
Offering and unveiling
An offering to the ancestors and the spirits comes first, and only then is the covering removed; the plaque is treated as a gift with a pedigree.
Hanging the plaque and the banquet
Once uncovered the plaque is hung and a banquet follows for relatives and friends, showing that the rite was always a social occasion of the lineage.
Five kinds of inscription
By content the plaques fall into five groups, from ancestral halls and scholarly achievement to benevolence and longevity; learning and filial piety weigh most.
03 · Regional Records & Related Items
By content, the plaques can be roughly divided into five categories: ancestral temples and residences; imperial examinations and educational grace; merit and renown; benevolence, virtue, filial piety, and chastity; and blessings, emolument, and longevity celebrations.
04 · Cultural Value & Contemporary Safeguarding
In folk ancestral halls, the hanging of plaques follows a rigorous procedure that has been passed down to the present. In addition, many Hakka plaques are precious carriers of the art of calligraphy and are also adorned with artistic carvings; appealing to both refined and popular tastes, they possess considerable artistic and historical research value.
06 · Authoritative Sources & Bibliography
Sources
China Intangible Cultural Heritage Network (ihchina.cn)
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