Tradition Archives | Island Folklore

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.

We organize Taiwanese folklore into nine broad and overlapping categories. Four based on ethnic origin, and five on folkloric genre!

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

Chopsticks aren’t just essential to Taiwanese dining, numerous stories and folklore are associated with these versatile eating utensils!

“Underfoot”—a bizarre ancient Chinese endearing form of address between friends. As with most odd folk expressions, there’s a story behind it.

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 features prominently in Taiwanese culture. Here are four examples!

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

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

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.