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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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In the Shadows
Austronesian Mythology Sinitic TraditionNovember 2, 2017October 7, 2020

In the Shadows

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

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Ghost Month
Sinitic TraditionSeptember 7, 2017February 28, 2020

Ghost Month

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

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May Snow
History Sinitic TraditionAugust 10, 2017January 10, 2021

May Snow

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

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Seventh Eve
Folktale Mythology Sinitic TraditionJune 15, 2017August 21, 2020

Seventh Eve

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

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Dragon Boats
History Legend Sinitic TraditionJune 1, 2017June 25, 2020

Dragon Boats

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

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Lady Compassion
History Indo-European Sinitic TraditionApril 20, 2017January 3, 2023

Lady Compassion

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.

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All Eyes and Ears
Mythology Sinitic TraditionApril 6, 2017February 28, 2020

All Eyes and Ears

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

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The Silent Maiden
Legend Sinitic TraditionMarch 23, 2017February 28, 2020

The Silent Maiden

The Sea Goddess is the protector of Taiwan. She was once a real person and this is her legend.

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A Tale of Two Cities
History Sinitic TraditionMarch 8, 2017January 10, 2021

A Tale of Two Cities

“Three-eight” is both the date of International Women’s Day (March 8) and a very common Taiwanese expression or tease. What’s the connection? Find out here!

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Matriarch
Austronesian History TraditionMarch 2, 2017March 10, 2021

Matriarch

In the ancient homeland of the Amis and Puyuma peoples on Taiwan’s Pacific coast, women once ruled. Learn about these traditional matriarchal societies!

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Dwarves Who Fell
Austronesian Mythology TraditionDecember 22, 2016October 7, 2020

Dwarves Who Fell

From pygmies to dwarves, legends of “little folk” exist all over the world, including Taiwan.

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Tattooed Faces
Austronesian Mythology TraditionDecember 7, 2016February 28, 2020

Tattooed Faces

The Atayal are an ancient Austronesian tribe indigenous to Taiwan. This is their origin story.

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