For those who came over as pioneers at the end of the Ching dynasty, many either brought copies of genealogical tables or went back to get them after becoming somewhat established in Taiwan. For those who came in 1949, or whose family records have been dispersed, the process of putting together the family pedigree is disappointing.

For modern men in an industrial society, the function of family records for self-identity is more important than their function for society. So if you can't find the old records, why not start your own?

Sheng Ching-yi of the United Daily News Cultural Foundation Center for Chinese Studies Materials says that traditional family records are quite complex, the data usually including "origins," the "generational chart," brief "biographies," and "miscellaneous notes." The generational chart is the most important.

"Origins" includes the source of the family name and the movements of the ancestors. The source of the family name is found mostly in a few key books. Family moves depend on old records or stories passed down. Some records even attach a map and directions for returning to the village of origin. It is best only to accept reliable evidence and be in doubt about such things as the remotest origins of the family line.

The "generational chart" is the simplest but most important part. Vertically, it traces fathers to sons; horizontally, close relations. If it doesn't fit on one sheet, then each member of the last generation on one page can start his own new page. Professor Yin Chang-yi says the contents should be flexible to allow revisions, and to let people include not only the males—women can have a quite equal status. Also, aside from the father's family tree, there can be a mother's family tree.

Because of the large size of families, traditional records were only revised about every thirty years. And the "biography" section only included the more famous. But isn't every member of the family important? One can make up a form for each family member, with a photo and important information.

"Miscellaneous notes," aside from the family heritage, family precepts, gravesites, family professions, art, and so on, should also include family correspondence, residence registrations, and the families into which women in one's family have married.

Revising the family records is a way to carry on the past and give to the future. They should be lively. For example, it's OK to use common Chinese instead of classical Chinese. One must be truthful and must never embellish or exaggerate or wrongly claim descent from the famous. The records should be stored safely, photocopied, or even put into a computer, which makes revision easier.

Aside from the National Central Library, the Historical Research Commission of Taipei, and the United Daily News Center, there is also a "Taipei Family History Center" at Number 5, Lane 183, Chinhwa Street, Taipei, with photocopied materials from around the world and specialists to consult.

Bringing the family pedigree up to date can't be done in a day and is a literally endless task. Have you got the heart to be a "family historian"?

Looking out over the gurgling waterworks and boundary-less fields, descendants of the Chang family cannot help but recall their ancestors' pioneering diligence.