Clan Visit: Visit to the Ho San Gong Hui – genealogysocietysingapore.com

Reproduced with permission of Nathan Co, author & founder of Chinese Ancestry Research

Clan Visit: Visit to the Ho San Gong Hui, 26 May 2024

Just about two weeks ago, as I was scouring the web for information on clan associations for members of Chinese Ancestry Research, I stumbled upon something that immediately caught my eye: Ho San Gong Hui 禾山公會 in Singapore. Intriguing, right? What’s the connection? Well, He San 禾山 is a place on Xiamen Island in Fujian where my maternal clan, the House of Lu 呂厝, hails from. With a flutter of excitement, I shot them an email to learn more about their organization. Not long after, I received a warm reply from a lady named Mabel: “Our association is for people and ancestors who originated from 禾山 and are now in Singapore.” Bingo! I shared my family background, and they graciously invited me for a visit.

Today was the day! With an eager heart, I set off to visit the clan’s headquarters. Nestled in a charming shop-house structure, the space was both roomy and welcoming. The walls were adorned with a fascinating array of photos featuring clan members, exquisite Chinese calligraphy, and beautiful paintings. Cozy tables and sofas dotted the room, providing perfect spots for members to gather and reminisce. To my delight, I discovered that this venerable organization is over 90 years old, with most members being second-generation immigrants to Singapore and their descendants.

The highlight of my visit? Being invited to join them for a sumptuous lunch. The spread was a delightful home-cooked feast: aromatic bak kut teh, fresh veggies, succulent chicken, and more. As we savored the delicious meal, I had the pleasure of mingling with the members, exchanging stories, and soaking in the rich history and camaraderie of fellow villagers from a bygone era. It was a heartwarming and joyous experience, filled with laughter and shared memories.

Now, here’s a question for you: have you visited your local clan association yet? These places often hold a treasure trove of information that could be invaluable in your ancestry search. If you haven’t made the trip yet, perhaps it’s time to give them a call and dive into the activities they offer. Reconnecting with your roots could be a deeply rewarding journey. Why not start today?

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