Origin and History of the Surname 卯
Sure, I’ll tell you a story about the Chinese surname “卯” (Mǎo) and provide some historical figures with this surname.
The surname “卯” is relatively rare in China, but it carries a unique cultural significance. According to legend, the origin of the surname can be traced back to ancient times when people used to mark time based on the lunar calendar. “卯” represents one of the twelve Earthly Branches in traditional Chinese timekeeping, corresponding to the hours around dawn. It is believed that ancestors with this surname may have been responsible for keeping track of time or had a special connection to this particular time of day.
As for historical figures with the surname “卯”, although not as numerous as some more common surnames, there are still some notable individuals. For example, during the Ming Dynasty, there was a scholar named 卯时中 who was known for his literary talents and contributions to poetry. Another figure from history, 卯生, was a respected painter in the Qing Dynasty, famous for his landscapes and flower paintings.
These are just a few examples, and throughout Chinese history, many other individuals with the surname “卯” have made significant contributions to various fields such as literature, art, and science. The surname “卯” remains a symbol of Chinese cultural heritage and tradition.