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!
Read MoreNine Categories of Taiwanese Folklore
We organize Taiwanese folklore into nine broad and overlapping categories. Four based on ethnic origin, and five on folkloric genre!
Read MoreIs “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.
Read MoreMoon 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!
Read MoreHow 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.
Read MoreThe Dumpling Sage: How Taiwan’s Mount Banping Got Its Shape
Visitors to Taiwan’s Kaohsiung City will notice an oddly shaped mountain called Mount Banping. This folktale reveals how it got its distinctive shape!
Read MoreHoly Cow: Taiwan’s Bovine Folklore
Taiwanese traditions that centre around the island’s cows, oxen and buffalos.
Read MoreDemon Birds and Fine Ceramics
What do a giant stone demon bird and fine ceramics have in common? Both are found in a quiet, scenic town near the Taiwanese capital!
Read MoreThe Bunny Girl
The ancient Chinese tale of the lady who became the Goddess of the Moon.
Read MoreIce Jelly
A refreshing treat that brings an icy coolness to Taiwan’s sub-tropical summer heat.
Read MoreThe Food Taster
The story of a chieftain who died to give his people lifesaving knowledge.
Read MoreFire and Water
A catastrophic battle between two elements forces the Mother Goddess to take action.
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