Dong Family Ancestral Hall

Dong Family Ancestral Hall

The Dongjialiang Ancestral Hall is a cultural tourism attraction.

The Dongjialiang Ancestral Hall is located in Dongjialiang, Sicheng Office, Enyang District. With a history of over 100 years, it serves as a tangible witness to the study of ancient filial piety culture.

Upon first visiting the Dongjialiang Ancestral Hall, one might not immediately think it’s a structure that’s been around for over 100 years. Only the weathered carvings on the eaves on both sides suggest it has weathered many years. The front is built with blue bricks, and the wall features four windows fitted with some glass panes and steel bars. Two brightly colored lanterns hang on either side of the main gate...

The Dongjialiang Ancestral Hall is a small quadrangle courtyard, with a small patio in the center. Running through the middle of the patio is an entrance pathway, flanked by two flower stands where plants grow freely. On the wall of the main hall in front of the pathway, ten spirit tablets are hung, and above them are three plaques inscribed with phrases such as “Accumulated Virtue Shines Forth.” The walls of the main hall have been painted white, while the beams and rafters above are adorned with faded colored paintings of flowers, plants, birds, and animals. The floor of the main hall is spotlessly clean, and in one corner are items such as a steamer and wooden tables.

According to accounts, the Dongjialiang Ancestral Hall was built during the Tongzhi era of the Qing Dynasty. In feudal times, ancestral halls were mainly used to punish unfilial family members. If someone in the family was disrespectful to their parents or elders, the family head, usually the clan leader, would gather the heads of the various branches of the family to discuss how to punish the offender. Typically, the punishment involved having the unfilial member lie prone on the pathway while being spanked on the buttocks (0). The most severe and cruelest punishment was live burial.

In the late Qing Dynasty, a member of the Dong family stole something from another household. When his father reported him, the son responded by smashing his father’s hands with stones. Given this act of defiance, the clan decided to bury him alive. In those days, family discipline was strict, and cases of unfilial conduct were rare.

Nowadays, the Dongjialiang Ancestral Hall hosts an annual Qingming Festival gathering starting from 2002. Many members of the extended Dong family attend the event, with some traveling from as far as Nanjiang County. Aside from the reunion dinner, reminiscing, and discussions, the most important activity during the annual Dong Family Qingming Gathering is the selection of a Filial Piety Star.