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Island Folklore: Taiwanese Tales & Traditions

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

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Nine Categories of Taiwanese Folklore
Austronesian Folktale History Indo-European Japonic Legend Mythology Sinitic TraditionMarch 16, 2023March 16, 2023

Nine Categories of Taiwanese Folklore

We organize Taiwanese folklore into nine broad and overlapping categories. Four based on ethnic origin, and five on folkloric genre!

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That Time a Frenchman Pretended to be Taiwanese in 1704
History Indo-EuropeanJanuary 5, 2023February 27, 2023

That Time a Frenchman Pretended to be Taiwanese in 1704

In 1704, the fantastical book “Description of Formosa” was published in London, England—and it was full of nonsense and gobbledygook!

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The Story of Yuma
Austronesian History TraditionAugust 4, 2022February 16, 2023

The Story of Yuma

Yuma Taru is a legendary figure among the Atayal people of Taiwan. She has dedicated her life to preserving Taiwan’s indigenous heritage.

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The Taiwan Dollar: The Story of How it Came to Be
History Japonic SiniticJune 2, 2022March 17, 2023

The Taiwan Dollar: The Story of How It Came to Be

The Taiwan dollar is Taiwan’s legal tender. This is the story of the modern Taiwanese currency and its predecessor the Taiwanese yen!

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Chop-Chop: The Folklore of Chopsticks
Sinitic TraditionApril 7, 2022April 25, 2022

Chop-Chop: The Folklore of Chopsticks

Chopsticks aren’t just essential to Taiwanese dining, numerous stories and folklore are associated with these versatile eating utensils!

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Is "Underfoot" a Nice Thing to Call Your Friend?
History Legend Mythology Sinitic TraditionJanuary 27, 2022April 25, 2022

Is “Underfoot” a Nice Thing To Call Your Friend?

“Underfoot”—a bizarre ancient Chinese endearing form of address between friends. As with most odd folk expressions, there’s a story behind it.

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Taiwan's Orchid Island: Ponso no Tao
Austronesian HistoryNovember 4, 2021November 1, 2021

Taiwan’s Orchid Island: Ponso no Tao

Taiwan is actually comprised of nearly 200 islands. One of these, Orchid Island, is home to the unique indigenous culture of the Tao people.

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Moon Rabbit and Rice Cake
Folktale Japonic Mythology Sinitic TraditionSeptember 2, 2021April 25, 2022

Moon Rabbit and Rice Cake

The moon rabbit is a folkloric character linked to Chinese Moon Festivals. In Taiwan, Korea and Japan, it’s also associated with rice cakes!

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How It All "Bi Gan": A Surname Origin Story
History Legend Mythology SiniticJuly 1, 2021June 12, 2021

How It All “Bi Gan”: A Surname Origin Story

Two extremely common Taiwanese family names share an origin story that dates back over 3,000 years to a sage named Bi Gan.

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Tiger Aunt: Beware of Strangers
Folktale SiniticMay 6, 2021April 25, 2022

Tiger Aunt: Beware of Strangers

This classic Taiwanese folktale—with the infamous “hóo-koo-pô” or “tiger aunt”—teaches children to stay alert and beware of strangers.

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Red Leaves: Taiwan's Baseball Fever
Austronesian HistoryMarch 4, 2021February 27, 2023

Red Leaves: Taiwan’s Baseball Fever

How the Red Leaves, an indigenous Taiwanese Little League team, emerged “out of left field” to ignite Taiwan’s baseball fever!

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The Dutch East India Company and Its Taiwanese Legacy
Austronesian History Indo-European SiniticJanuary 7, 2021January 3, 2023

The Dutch East India Company and Its Taiwanese Legacy

This is the story of how the Dutch East India Company arrived in Taiwan, named it, yanked it from its slumber and pushed it upon the world stage!

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