HAIKWAN TAEL Meaning and
Definition
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Haikwan tael, also referred to as the Chinese customs tael, is a historical unit of weight and currency used in China during the late Ming and Qing dynasties. The term "Haikwan" translates to "customs" or "maritime customs," indicating its association with trade and taxation in coastal areas.
The Haikwan tael was primarily used to measure precious metals such as gold and silver. It derived its name from the Haikwan (maritime customs) offices that oversaw foreign trade. These offices were responsible for assessing and collecting import and export duties based on the weight of goods, including precious metals.
As a unit of currency, the Haikwan tael also played a significant role in international trade. Its value fluctuated based on market conditions and was often used to determine exchange rates between different currencies. Since it was tied to the customs system, it ensured consistency and fairness in trade transactions.
The Haikwan tael was standardized across different regions and had various subdivisions. One complete tael was equivalent to approximately 37.429 grams, which could then be further divided into denominations such as mace, candareen, and cash.
Although the Haikwan tael is no longer widely used, it remains an important historical unit of weight and currency that reflects the economic and trade practices of China during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Common Misspellings for HAIKWAN TAEL
- gaikwan tael
- baikwan tael
- naikwan tael
- jaikwan tael
- uaikwan tael
- yaikwan tael
- hzikwan tael
- hsikwan tael
- hwikwan tael
- hqikwan tael
- haukwan tael
- hajkwan tael
- hakkwan tael
- haokwan tael
- ha9kwan tael
- ha8kwan tael
- haijwan tael
- haimwan tael
- hailwan tael
- haiowan tael
Etymology of HAIKWAN TAEL
The term "Haikwan tael" refers to a type of silver currency that was prevalent in China during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The word has its origin in the Cantonese language where "Haikwan" means 'Customs' and "tael" refers to a unit of weight used to measure precious metals, particularly silver.
During that period, the Haikwan tael was used as a form of payment for foreign trade transactions, especially at the Canton Customs. The haikwan system was established to facilitate trade between China and Western powers and was mainly used in the trading ports along the coast.
The term "Haikwan tael" ultimately became associated with this specific currency due to its ties to the Customs and its use in international trade.
