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All articles filed in origin myth

Bodhidharma Tales: Origin of Zen Buddhism
History Indo-European Legend Mythology Sinitic TraditionSeptember 5, 2024September 30, 2023

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.

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The Buddha
Indo-European Legend Mythology SiniticJuly 4, 2024October 3, 2023

The Buddha

The story of the Buddha is a great source of inspiration and serves as a guide for millions of Buddhists in Taiwan and around the globe.

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The Island's Many Names
Austronesian History Indo-European Japonic Mythology SiniticSeptember 7, 2023September 8, 2023

The Island’s Many Names

Taiwan has had many names over the centuries. What do they mean? Where do they come from? Here’s a rundown of these names and their origins!

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Is "Underfoot" a Nice Thing to Call Your Friend?
History Legend Mythology Sinitic TraditionJanuary 27, 2022April 25, 2022

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.

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How It All "Bi Gan": A Surname Origin Story
History Legend Mythology SiniticJuly 1, 2021June 12, 2021

How It All “Bi Gan”: A Surname Origin Story

Two extremely common Taiwanese family names share an origin story that dates back over 3,000 years to a sage named Bi Gan.

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The Dumpling Sage: How Taiwan's Mount Banping Got Its Shape
Folktale Mythology SiniticAugust 6, 2020April 25, 2022

The Dumpling Sage: How Taiwan’s Mount Banping Got Its Shape

Visitors to Taiwan’s Kaohsiung City will notice an oddly shaped mountain called Mount Banping. This folktale reveals how it got its distinctive shape!

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The Mother Goddess
Folktale Mythology SiniticMarch 29, 2018February 28, 2020

The Mother Goddess

The story of the mother goddess who created the first humans.

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In the Beginning
Folktale Mythology SiniticMarch 15, 2018February 28, 2020

In the Beginning

The tale of the giant born at the beginning of time and subsequently shaped the world.

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Sun Moon Lake
Austronesian Folktale MythologyJanuary 4, 2018February 28, 2020

Sun Moon Lake

The indigenous folktale on the origin of the name of Taiwan’s beautiful Sun Moon Lake.

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Paiwan Origin Myths
Austronesian MythologyDecember 15, 2016July 5, 2020

Paiwan Origin Myths

The Paiwan people have many origin myths. Here is a sampling of these Paiwan origin tales.

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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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