Sinitic Archives | Island Folklore

Writing the Taiwanese Language: The POJ Story

This is the story of a bizarre and fascinating writing system, developed in the 1800s, used to write the Taiwanese language.

How a Canadian built Taiwan’s Presbyterian Christian Church and brought healthcare to thousands.

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

The fascinating, global story of early Taiwanese money.

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

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!

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

The ancient Chinese tale of the lady who became the Goddess of the Moon.

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

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

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

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