Mystery and misinformation in the history and origins of Triad gangs. I found this summary helpful
The name “Triad” is an English designation given by Europeans, particularly British authorities in Hong Kong, to these Chinese secret societies.
In the sci-fi novel, ‘Nanopunk’, China plays a significant role in helping the UK and Europe rebuild after The Big Freeze devastated much of society. In the current story I’m working on ‘The Mechanics’, I’ve gone back to China, this time, looking into one part of China’s rich cultural and political history. I asked Google to summarise the historical origins of the Triads, and the reasons and origins of the name.
The Triads as they are known today, have a complex historical origin rooted in secret societies that emerged in China, primarily during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Historical Origins:- Anti-Qing Sentiment: The earliest and most commonly cited origin for these societies, particularly the Heaven and Earth Society (Tiandihui), is their formation with the patriotic intent of overthrowing the Manchu-led Qing Dynasty and restoring the Han Chinese Ming Dynasty. The Qing were seen as foreign rulers, and these groups aimed to reverse their rule, often operating under the slogan “Oppose the Qing and Restore the Ming.”
- Mutual Aid and Protection: While revolutionary ideals were significant, many of these secret societies also served as mutual aid and self-protection organizations for marginalized individuals, especially migrants and ethnic minorities like the Hakka, who faced societal prejudice and economic hardship. They offered a sense of collective identity and support outside formal legal structures.
- Legends and Reality: The origins are a blend of legend and historical fact. Popular legends often link their founding to five Shaolin monks who survived the destruction of their monastery by the Qing emperor and vowed revenge. However, more recent academic research suggests the Tiandihui was founded around 1761-1762 in Fujian Province by a monk named Ti Xi (Zheng Kai) as a fraternal and mutual aid society.
- Evolution into Criminality: Over time, particularly with the decline of the Qing Dynasty and the suppression of these societies, their original political objectives often faded. They began to engage in various illegal activities, including banditry, piracy, smuggling, gambling, prostitution, and extortion, gradually transforming into the criminal organizations recognized as Triads today.
- Post-1949 Relocation: After the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, the Communist government heavily suppressed secret societies. This led to many Triad members relocating to Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other overseas Chinese communities, where they continued to operate and expand their criminal enterprises.
- Original: Unknown Vector: Voidvector, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Origin of the Name “Triad”:
The name “Triad” is an English designation given by Europeans, particularly British authorities in Hong Kong, to these Chinese secret societies. It is believed to have originated from:
- Symbolic Representation: It refers to a triangular symbol often used by these societies, which was said to represent the “union of Heaven, Earth, and Man” (天地人 – Tiāndìrén). This concept of a cosmic trinity was significant in their beliefs and rituals.
- “San Ho Hui” (Three United Association): The term “Triad” is specifically derived from the Chinese name “San He Hui” (三合會), meaning “Three United Association,” which was a prominent branch of the Heaven and Earth Society. This name itself likely alluded to the Heaven, Earth, and Man symbolism.
While the term “Triad” is widely used in the West to refer to Chinese organized crime, in Chinese, these groups are often simply known as “Heishehui” (黑社会), meaning “black societies.”