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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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The Island's Many Names
Austronesian History Indo-European Japonic Mythology SiniticSeptember 7, 2023September 8, 2023

The Island’s Many Names

Taiwan has had many names over the centuries. What do they mean? Where do they come from? Here’s a rundown of these names and their origins!

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A Timeline of Taiwanese History
Austronesian History Indo-European Japonic SiniticApril 6, 2023September 8, 2023

A Timeline of Taiwanese History

Taiwan has a long and colourful history. From Austronesian cultural explosions to modern tech booms, it has never ceased to amaze.

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Nine Categories of Taiwanese Folklore
Austronesian Folktale History Indo-European Japonic Legend Mythology Sinitic TraditionMarch 16, 2023September 8, 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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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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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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What Happened to Taipei's Grand Shinto Shrine?
History JaponicSeptember 3, 2020May 26, 2022

What Happened to Taipei’s Grand Shinto Shrine?

The Taiwan Jingū (Grand Shrine of Taiwan) was chief among Taiwan’s 66 official Shinto shrines. What happened to it? Find out here!

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The Formosan Tiger: Taiwan's Big-Cat Folklore and History
History Japonic Sinitic TraditionJuly 2, 2020June 9, 2020

The Formosan Tiger: Taiwan’s Big-Cat Folklore and History

The Formosan Tiger features prominently in Taiwanese culture. Here are four examples!

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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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