Libraly Journal

Libraly Journal ›› 2022, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (12): 112-122.

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The Folk Application and Cultural Connotation of Suzhou Numerals in Hainan During the Late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China

Li Wenhua1, 2, Chen Hong1(1 Hainan University Library; 2 Research Center for Overseas Studies and Media Reports on Hainan)   

  • Online:2022-12-15 Published:2023-01-03
  • About author:Li Wenhua1, 2, Chen Hong1 (1 Hainan University Library; 2 Research Center for Overseas Studies and Media Reports on Hainan)

Abstract: Suzhou numerals, a commercial number born in ancient China and originated in Suzhou, has been widely spread all over the country. It is mainly used by the common people with little relevant literature preserved. From the late Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China, 560 Suzhou numerals were found in at least 21 types of stone tablets in Hainan. There were nearly 100 Suzhou numerals records in three pamphlets copied by Hainan fisherman Su Deliu, and 33 pieces of Suzhou numerals in Guihai Nian Gengliubu used by Lin Shujiao, a fisherman of Hainan Province. In addition, he has a Singapore passport and a family tree from the Republic of China, noted with Suzhou numerals. It is strong evidence of the folk heritage of Jiangnan culture in Hainan. The calculation method of Suzhou numerals in Su Deliu’s pamphlet is scientific and accurate, and the calculation results of Suzhou numerals in Genglubu are highly reliable, but there are many mistakes in the interpretation of Suzhou numerals in Jinshi. Combined with the historical background of Suzhou numerals in Southeast Asian countries, maybe we can find a new cultural imprint of Hainan as atransit station in the ancient maritime Silk Road.