Re: Leng

[CHUNG Yoon-Ngan <chungyn@mozart.joinet.net.au>]

On Fri, 5 Feb 1999, Leng, Pamela wrote:
 
> Would 'Leng' be considered another version of Ling2?  I'm trying to learn
> more about my Chinese descendants.

Hello Pamela, 

Sorry for the late reply as I was away for 32 days.
I am not sure Leng is also Ling2 unless you tell me the Chinese character.
I reply you through the Hakka Forum as I want our Hakka friends to read
your unusual surname too. 


Surname No.159 Ling2
Ling2 means : (n) ice; (v) approach; advance.
e.g. Ling2 Luan4 means : in great disorder.
Surname Ling2 is about 3200 years old.

Abstract: Surname Ling2 was originated in an area which was called the
          He2 Jian Prefecture during the Han4 Dynasty (206BC to 220AD).
          The present day location of He2 Jian Prefecture is               
          in Xian4 county in Hebei province China.

   Ji Fa, who was later known as King Wu3, destroyed the Shang Dynasty 
(1783BC to 1122BC) and established the Zhou Dynasty (1134BC to 256BC).
King Wu3 delegated authority to his eighth brother named Kang Shu to 
rule a district called Wei4 (present day Ji2 Xian4 in Henan province), 
which he renamed it as the State of Wei4. King Wu3 also bestowed upon 
Kang Shu the title of Hou2 (Marquis).

  Years later one of Kang Shu's sons was employed by the Zhou Court
as a Ling2 Ren2 (official in charge of storing ice). During those time in 
winter officials had to store up all the ice they could obtain. A special 
cellar was built to store the ice so that the King could have icewater to  
drink during summer time. The position as a Ling2 Ren2 was very important 
as far as the King was concerned. This was the only way that the King 
could have some icy cold drink during the summer.

   After his death his children adopted LING2 as their surname and left 
off the word Ren (person) in remembrance of his official title.
   
  CHUNG Yoon-Ngan.