Tradition Archives | Island Folklore

Holy Cow: Taiwan’s Bovine Folklore

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

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

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!

A race that determined the 12 signs of the zodiac and forever pitted cats against mice.

Fairies, genies and demons—Eurasian hinterlands are home to mythical beings, like Taiwan’s “mô-sîn-á.”

The seventh lunar month is widely known in Taiwan as Guǐyuè, literally “Ghost Month.”

Under Tung blossoms, a new folk festival spearheads Taiwan’s modern Hakka cultural revival!

A love story—once each year, two stars cross the “Silver River” for a long-awaited reunion.

The history and activities of the popular festival that marks the coming of summer in Taiwan!

This is the story of the evolution of Taiwan’s beloved Goddess of Mercy—how a Buddhist princely saint became a motherly deity for the Taiwanese.

The Sea Goddess has two loyal attendants who are “all eyes and ears.” This is their story.