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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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Taiwan's Cultures and Communities
Austronesian History SiniticAugust 3, 2023September 8, 2023

Taiwan’s Cultures and Communities

Taiwan’s not a big place. But it is home to an incredible diversity of cultures with 16 native Austronesian nations and three Sinitic groups.

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The Languages of Taiwan
Austronesian History SiniticJuly 6, 2023September 8, 2023

The Languages of Taiwan

Taiwan is home to over 20 Austronesian and Sinitic languages. This incredible linguistic diversity reflects Taiwan’s multicultural roots.

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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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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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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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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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