Gelaohui

The Gelaohui (哥老會), also known as the Elder Brother Society, the Elder Brother Association, or sometimes translated as the Ko-Lao Hui, was a Chinese fraternal organization and secret society that arose in the Qing dynasty. It was one of the most influential and widespread secret societies in China, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The origins of the Gelaohui are somewhat obscure and debated. Some accounts trace its roots back to earlier secret societies, such as the Heaven and Earth Society (Tiandihui). It is generally believed to have emerged in the late 18th or early 19th century, possibly in Hunan or Hubei province, among disaffected soldiers, laborers, and other marginal groups.

The Gelaohui functioned as a mutual aid society, offering protection, assistance, and a sense of belonging to its members. It operated largely outside the formal structures of Qing authority. Its organizational structure was hierarchical, with different levels of membership and leadership. Oaths of loyalty and secrecy were central to membership, and elaborate rituals and symbols were employed.

While often portrayed as a solely criminal organization, the Gelaohui's activities were more complex. It provided social services and protection to its members, but also engaged in activities such as gambling, extortion, and sometimes rebellion. The society played a significant role in various uprisings and rebellions against the Qing dynasty, including the Taiping Rebellion and later the Xinhai Revolution. Many members were involved in local disputes and acted as a form of vigilante justice.

Following the Xinhai Revolution in 1911, the Gelaohui continued to exist, though its influence gradually declined. It remained active in certain areas of China, particularly in the southwest, and played a role in various political and social movements during the warlord era.

The legacy of the Gelaohui is complex. It is viewed by some as a force for social order and resistance against oppressive regimes, while others emphasize its involvement in criminal activities and its disruptive influence on Chinese society. Its history offers insights into the social and political dynamics of late imperial and early modern China.