Island Folklore: Taiwanese Tales & Traditions

An online repository of Taiwan’s folktales, history, legends, myths and traditions.

Category: Tradition

Traditions are beliefs, ideas, customs and practices passed down from generation to generation within a community. These include religious or ritualistic practices and often trace their origin to certain folktales, legends or myths.

  • Bodhidharma Tales: Origin of Zen Buddhism

    Bodhidharma Tales: Origin of Zen Buddhism

    In the heart of the Shaolin Temple, nestled among the ancient halls and towering trees, Bodhidharma, founder of Zen, sat in deep meditation.

  • Nine Categories of Taiwanese Folklore

    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!

  • The Story of Yuma

    The Story of Yuma

    Yuma Taru is a legendary figure among the Atayal people of Taiwan. She has dedicated her life to preserving Taiwan’s indigenous heritage.

  • Chop-Chop: The Folklore of Chopsticks

    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!

  • Is “Underfoot” a Nice Thing To Call Your Friend?

    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.

  • Moon Rabbit and Rice Cake

    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!

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

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

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

  • The Definitive Siu-Kiann Guide: Taiwanese Magic vs Your Five-Year-Old’s Nightmares

    The Definitive Siu-Kiann Guide: Taiwanese Magic vs Your Five-Year-Old’s Nightmares

    Behold, this is your definitive at-home siu-kiann guide for combating your child’s nightmares and mom’s sleep deprivation.

  • Bullseye: Taiwan’s Bunun People, Warriors and Hunters

    Bullseye: Taiwan’s Bunun People, Warriors and Hunters

    Taiwan’s Bunun people are an indigenous Formosan nation of famed warriors and skilled hunters.

  • Holy Cow: Taiwan’s Bovine Folklore

    Holy Cow: Taiwan’s Bovine Folklore

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