Island Folklore

An online repository of Taiwan’s folktales, legends, myths and traditions.

Ghost Month

The seventh lunar month is widely known in Taiwan as Guǐyuè, literally “Ghost Month.”

The Taiwanese do not celebrate Halloween, but they do—cautiously—observe “Ghost Month.”

Under Tung blossoms, a new folk festival spearheads Taiwan’s modern Hakka cultural revival!

Memories of martyrs help a struggling people find their identity in a brave new world.

This “hill song” records memories of leaving behind one’s home and sailing for the unknown.

Black Bears and Clouded Leopards were not always black and spotted. This is their tale.

A love story—once each year, two stars cross the “Silver River” for a long-awaited reunion.

The history and activities of the popular festival that marks the coming of summer in Taiwan!

This series presents Taiwan’s summertime festivals, an aboriginal tale and Hakka traditions.

An account of the evolution of Taiwan’s beloved Goddess of Mercy.