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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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From Far Formosa: A Canadian-Taiwanese Story
Austronesian History Indo-European Legend SiniticDecember 5, 2019January 3, 2023

From Far Formosa: A Canadian-Taiwanese Story

How Canadian George Leslie Mackay built Taiwan’s Presbyterian Christian Church and brought healthcare to thousands.

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February 28: Terror in Formosa
Austronesian History SiniticNovember 28, 2019February 28, 2020

February 28: Terror in Formosa

An Australian newspaper’s real-time report of a massacre that forever scarred the Taiwanese.

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Bolivian Silver and Nagasaki Cash
Austronesian History Indo-European SiniticSeptember 5, 2019January 3, 2023

Bolivian Silver and Nagasaki Cash

The fascinating, global story of early Taiwanese money.

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Holy Cow: Taiwan's Bovine Folklore
Austronesian History Mythology Sinitic TraditionJuly 4, 2019August 20, 2020

Holy Cow: Taiwan’s Bovine Folklore

Taiwanese traditions that centre around the island’s cows, oxen and buffalos.

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Stories Behind Taiwan's Place-Names
Austronesian History Japonic SiniticDecember 25, 2018February 28, 2020

Stories Behind Taiwan’s Place-Names

A tongue-in-cheek guide to the bizarre and multifaceted history of Taiwanese toponyms.

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Bubbles & Pearls
History SiniticJuly 26, 2018May 6, 2020

Bubbles & Pearls

A modern Taiwanese tea—the bubble tea—innovation that has conquered night markets, teahouses and taken the world by storm!

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Ice Jelly
Folktale History Legend Mythology SiniticJuly 12, 2018February 28, 2020

Ice Jelly

A refreshing treat that brings an icy coolness to Taiwan’s sub-tropical summer heat.

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Old Man's Tea
History Sinitic TraditionJune 28, 2018February 28, 2020

Old Man’s Tea

An age-old tea ceremony that closes gaps and bridges families and friends in Taiwan.

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Rice Dumplings
History Legend Sinitic TraditionJune 14, 2018February 28, 2020

Rice Dumplings

More than just a festival treat, rice dumplings are a tasty snack that the Taiwanese have loved for centuries!

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The Old Chieftain
Austronesian History LegendFebruary 1, 2018February 28, 2020

The Old Chieftain

The story of an old Taiwanese chieftain who dared to march against the Empire of Japan.

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Red Cloak
Austronesian History Legend SiniticDecember 7, 2017February 28, 2020

Red Cloak

As newcomers settled in Taiwan, they faced the terror of the island’s notorious headhunters.

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May Snow
History Sinitic TraditionAugust 10, 2017January 10, 2021

May Snow

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

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