ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Chinese clan

A Chinese clan is like a special family club. Imagine you have a big family with many cousins, aunts, and uncles. Now imagine that this family has been around for hundreds of years and everyone knows each other. That's what a Chinese clan is like!

In a Chinese clan, people who have the same last name (like all the people named "Wang" or "Lee") get together and help each other out. They might have a special meeting place, like a temple or a building, where they can hang out and talk.

The people in a Chinese clan help each other out in lots of ways. They might give each other jobs or loans or help each other with big events like weddings or funerals. Sometimes, clan members even help each other out if they get in trouble with the law or need someone to talk to.

Chinese clans are really important to many Chinese people because they help keep families connected and give people a sense of belonging. They also help people learn more about their family history and culture. So if you ever meet someone who's part of a Chinese clan, you should know that they're part of a very special group!