First, collect ancestral information.
After collecting some information about the family where you live now, if you think it is not detailed enough, you can choose to visit your hometown and inquire about the family genealogy information. Some families with incomplete genealogy after many migrations often adopt this method and will make new progress.
Second, the library
Shanghai Library, National Library of China, Hunan Library and other large libraries have collected many genealogies. For example, Shanghai Library had collected 1 1700 kinds of genealogy before 1949, and nearly 1700 volumes. The genealogy collected covers 20 provinces in China, with Zhejiang and Anhui being the largest. Those who need to find a genealogy can try.
Third, search through the Internet.
Ask the old people at home about their family, word generation, ancestral home and so on. After knowing this, find someone to inquire or search online. You can build a blog post bar and write some concise information about your family. There are many people who are enthusiastic about genealogy and genealogy update on the Internet. They have a lot of information in their hands. Maybe enthusiastic netizens will help you find it.
The function of genealogy
Genealogy is a huge treasure house for researchers engaged in sociology, history, archaeology, economics, folklore, demography, ethnology, literature, politics, religion, law, surnames and so on to inquire about information, find evidence and conduct research. The functions of genealogy mainly include:
1. Research data of patriarchal clan system. The relationship between genealogy and patriarchal clan system is inseparable from the beginning. Patriarchal clan system is one of the important foundations for the feudal dynasty to maintain its rule, while clan rules, clan conventions, family laws and township conventions of genealogy are powerful tools to strengthen the patriarchal clan system.
2. Family moral research materials. There are many things that are extremely beneficial to our contemporary society, such as filial piety, harmony between husband and wife, taboo books, thrift, gambling, obscenity, laziness and extravagance, which are of great significance to our construction of modern family morality and spiritual civilization.
3. Research data of family system. Family system is a social system that uses blood relationship to rule people. Many genealogies contain very detailed information about the family system, such as family organization system, family property management and family relief methods. It provides abundant information for us to study the status, function, organizational form and management methods of the family in ancient society.
4. Economic history data. Genealogy contains a considerable amount of economic historical data, including the number, formation, operation, management, income and expenditure of family collective fields such as ancestral fields, cemeteries, fields and forests. Some genealogies also record the deeds of family members in business and trade. All these provide us with good materials for studying ancient economic history.
5. Information on population issues. The central part of genealogy is the lineage inheritance of family population. Genealogy records the number, migration, distribution and marital status of family population, which can be used by demographers.