Research On Chin-Shih Families In Fuzhou Prefecture In The Ming And Qing Dynasties

Jin Shi is the highest reputation in the era of imperial examination,and Jin Shi family is the dazzling pearl and the most outstanding model family of that era,admired by the whole society,and become the social guidance.Requirements to become this family are at least two members Jin Shi in five generations of direct relatives and brothers of the same father.Fujian is one of the provinces with the most developed imperial examination system in Ming and Qing Dynasties,while Fuzhou is not only the political and cultural centre of Fujian but also the most developed area of Fujian with imperial examination system in Ming and Qing Dynasties.One of its important manifestations is the prosperity of its Jin Shi family-there were 51 Jin Shi families in Ming Dynasty and 40 Jin Shi families in Qing Dynasty,totalling 91 families.5 of them(Chin-Shih families)experienced the alternation of the two dynasties.What’s more,the geographical distribution of these Jin Shi families in Fuzhou is evenly distributed,but highly concentrated in Fuguo county.This distribution characteristic was mainly affected by the strength in the imperial examinations,economic level,and general mood of the society of various counties.Due to differences in economy and population in different periods.The pattern had been formed that the number of Jin Shi families reached a peak in mid-Ming and Qing dynasties,while the number of early and late periods in these two periods accounted for a small proportion.In addition,the formation of Jin Shi families in Fuzhou Prefecture in the Ming and Qing dynasties has a strong relationship with the economic foundation,family motto,family-style,family learning and affinity of families.The Jin Shi of these families in Fuzhou Prefecture in the Ming and Qing dynasties made great contributes to the political and economic development,the local culture and education undertakings,and local affairs in the Ming and Qing dynasties.