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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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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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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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
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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The 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!
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Holy Cow: Taiwan’s Bovine Folklore
Taiwanese traditions that centre around the island’s cows, oxen and buffalos.
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Demon 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!
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The Bunny Girl
The ancient Chinese tale of the lady who became the Goddess of the Moon.
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Ice Jelly
A refreshing treat that brings an icy coolness to Taiwan’s sub-tropical summer heat.
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The Food Taster
The story of a chieftain who died to give his people lifesaving knowledge.
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Fire and Water
A catastrophic battle between two elements forces the Mother Goddess to take action.
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