A totem is some kind of spirit being, sacred object, or symbol that serves as an emblem of a group of people, such as a family, clan, lineage, or tribe. The totemic symbol may serve as a reminder of the kin group's ancestry or mythic past. People believe that totems have supernatural force that can protect them and endow them power and skills.

In ancient times, each clan had its own totem, which later evolved into many family names. The following are Chinese family name totems and their legends.

Zhu (朱in Chinese) (Photo/huanqiu)

Zhu (朱in Chinese)

Zhu is the national emblem of the Zhu Country in ancient times. It took spider as the totem, because Fuxi (a culture hero in Chinese legend and mythology) and Goumang (the spring/wood god in Chinese legend and mythology) invented Bagua (eight trigrams) and net through the inspiration of spider web.