Island Folklore

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

Under the Hala Tree (II)

Part II of the tragic, bloody tale of the Lady of the Hala Trees.

Beneath the Hala Tree, a tragic maiden’s spirit lingers. This is her tale.

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

The Taiwanese do not celebrate Halloween, but they do—cautiously—observe “Ghost Month.”

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

Memories of martyrs help a struggling people find their identity in a brave new world.

This “hill song” records memories of leaving behind one’s home and sailing for the unknown.