好修歷史 History

The Name "Hao Xiu" and Its Significance for Hao Xiu Elementary School

(I) Geographical and Cultural Factors

The local place names often reflect the geography and cultural history of the area. For example:

1. Hao Xiu Village (formerly known as "Huo Shao Zhuang")
   
   The school is located in Hao Xiu Village, which was originally known as "Huo Shao Zhuang" (meaning "Burning Village"). The name originated because of a neighboring village, Wa Zhan Village, which had multiple brick and tile factories. During the strong seasonal winds, the smoke from the kilns would often blow into Hao Xiu Village, causing fires. As a result, it became known as "Huo Shao Zhuang" and this name continued for many years.
   
   

2. Xi Hu Village (formerly known as "Xi Shi Hu")
   
   Located to the west of the school, this village is in a low-lying area that serves as the endpoint for the drainage system, leading to poor drainage and creating a marsh-like environment. Because the village lies to the west, it was originally named "Xi Shi Hu" (West Lake), later changed to Xi Hu Village after Taiwan's retrocession.
   
   

3. Nan Xin Village (formerly known as "Nan Shi Pu")
   
   Situated south of the school, this village was once home to three large lakes and expansive grasslands. The term "Pu" means plain or grassland in Taiwanese, so it was originally called "Nan Shi Pu" (Southern Plains). The name was later changed to Nan Xin Village after Taiwan’s retrocession.
   
   

4. Yong Ping Village
   
   Previously known as Wai Lun Zi Jiao, this village is situated at the foot of the "Ting Lun Jiao" and "Xia Ding Lun Jiao" hills, near the Shalu area. The name originated from its location. The village is primarily agricultural, with rice cultivation as the main industry.
   
   

5. Xin Xing Village (formerly known as "Xia Zhuang Zi")
   
   Located below Wa Zhan Village, this village is named Xin Xing Village. The main inhabitants are from the Huang, Kang, and Shi families, with farming activities focusing on rice and vegetables.
   
   

6. Wa Zhan Village
   
   Named after the ancestors who built kilns to make tiles in this area. The village is primarily inhabited by the Shi family, with their ancestral roots in Quanzhou. The area produces rice, corn, and peas, and handcrafts are also a local industry.
   
   

7. Da You Village (formerly known as "Zhu Tou Jiao")
   
   The village was originally located at the edge of a bamboo forest, and its name originated from the "Zhu Tou" (Bamboo Head) area. Later, wealthy families in the village changed the name to "Da You" (Great Prosperity), hoping to attract more wealthy families. The name "Da You" was adopted during the Japanese occupation, and the village is mainly inhabited by the Chen family with rice as the primary crop.
   
   

(II) The Meaning of the Name "Hao Xiu" and the Local Community's Expectations

When the school was first founded, the initial plan was to name the school after the village. However, due to the undesirable meaning and pronunciation of the word "Huo Shao" (Burning), and its association with bad luck, the name was changed to "Hao Xiu", which is phonetically similar in the local dialect. Since then, the village has also been renamed Hao Xiu Village.

The use of "Hao Xiu" instead of "Huo Shao" in the school name reflects the local elders' respect for their heritage and values. Phonetically, "Hao Xiu" signifies gratitude for the past and embodies a moral principle of not forgetting one’s roots. From a literal perspective, it represents high expectations for the education system. The word "Hao" (meaning good) can be interpreted as promoting virtues like good character and knowledge, suggesting the pursuit of both moral integrity and academic excellence. Additionally, "Hao" can also imply a self-driven desire for self-improvement, as expressed in the classic Chinese text Li Sao by Qu Yuan, which reads: "Everyone has their own joys, but I alone cherish self-cultivation as my habit." This reflects Qu Yuan's commitment to personal growth, affirming the community’s aspiration to promote a culture of self-improvement and diligence.