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Hung Shun Tong Manuscript, 1886

by: Unknown

Publication date: 1886

Topics: californiarevealed, Chinese Americans, Chinese Americans in California, Chinese Americans--California, Northern, Chinese Americans--Folklore, Chinese Americans--Societies, etc., Chinese, Northern California, Chinese, Political Organization, Chinese, Secret Society, Chinese--California--History, Religion

Collection: placerresearchandarchives; californiarevealed; americana

Language: Chinese

Rights: Public domain. No restrictions on use.

This small bound manuscript is an original handwritten copy of the ideological text for the Chinese secret society known as the Hung Shun Tong (also known as the Society of Heaven and Earth). It was meticulously hand copied between March and April of 1886 in high quality calligraphy with Cantonese dialect.

The manuscript is composed of four sections.

The first part of this manuscript features war logos and poems. The second part details the legend of a famous monk who practiced wushu. The third part of the manuscript deals with the ancient Chinese calendar and the measurement of time. The fourth part features poems from ancient warriors.

The Hung Shun Tong (also known as the Hongshun Tang in Pinyin) is a secret society which existed in northern California with the goal of reuniting one day to overthrow the Manchus. This society later evolved into the Chee Kung Tong (also known as the Zhigong Tang in Pinyin).

For additional information see California Revealed.

Contact Information: Placer County Museums Division, 101 Maple Street, Auburn, CA 95603, Telephone: (530) 889-6500, Email: museums@placer.ca.gov, http://www.placer.ca.gov/museums

Acknowledgment: Source material provided by Placer County Museums Division. Preserved and made available online by California Revealed. California Revealed is supported by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.