The word "triad" in translation from Greek means "unity" and usually characterizes something uniform, formed by three parts. Definition "triad" meets in various spheres: philosophy, versification, nuclear physics, criminalistics and psychiatry. However there it is as set, about highly specialized concepts. In the standard value the triad is the Chinese criminal organization.
The first triads, or criminal groups, began to appear in China still B.C. Historians believe: initially it were the groups of slave traders uniting to resist to competitors. They chose the symbol a triad (trinity) of Confucius: sky, person, earth. Ancient manuscripts did not keep any additional data on triads of the first wave. But it is for certain known when this movement experienced a rebirth. There is the Chinese legend speaking about revival of a triad in 1644 during aggressive attack of nomads from Manchuria. Troops of conquerors besieged the monastery Shaolin and by force and cunning destroyed all who were in it. Only three monks managed to escape: at the time of their siege was not in the monastery. Having returned to native walls, monks found only ruins and remains of the companions. Without descending from this place, they swore to revenge, having formed trinity - a triad. Historic facts confirm a legend of a triad in the main thing: the first organized group in the 16th century in China began to be formed of liberating guerrilla groups. While there was a war for release of the country from Manchurian oppression, the triad delivered to guerrillas weapon and formed the strategy of fight. However with approach of the world the group with strict internal hierarchy and authoritarian regime did not break up, and, on the contrary, was hit almost absolute power in the hands. The top of a triad controlled illegal gold mining, trade in heroin and cocaine, prostitution, and rank-and-file members of the organization were engaged in racket, robbery and piracy.
In modern triads strictly observe the traditions put by founders of the Chinese mafia in the 16th century. So, supreme authority in the person a dignity shu and faugh Shang Shu delegates the powers for related lines, from the father to the son. At the same time inflow of new members of triads is conducted regularly: in each group there is a person who is responsible for recruitment. From beginners the implicit obedience is required: the attempt to conceal from a triad profit is cruelly punished. It is almost impossible to leave the Chinese mafia: of membership all life will be reminded by a tattoo on a hand in the form of a skull and a dragon. Thanks to mass immigration the Chinese triads set in worldwide for a long time. In the USA they control all Chinese business, beginning from a public catering and finishing with prostitution. Many members of triads also prefer to live outside the native land: in China the belonging to a triad proved in court is punished by the death penalty.