Saint Nicholas began as a discreet 4th-century bishop known for helping the poor, but his legacy travelled across Europe and eventually transformed into the figure we now call Santa Claus. His feast day on December 6 still brings simple, warm traditions in many countries. His story shows how quiet kindness can shape entire cultures.
From Saint Nicholas to Santa : The Origins of Christmas Cheer Read More »
Thanksgiving in Taiwan turns into a gentle blend of cultures, where traditional dishes mix with local flavors and gatherings feel relaxed and intimate. The holiday isn’t widely celebrated, yet the island’s kindness makes it easy to create meaningful moments. Friends, families, and expats shape their own version of the day, discovering that gratitude travels well across borders.
Thanksgiving Finds a New Home in Taiwan Read More »
Halloween 2025 in Taiwan was one of the most vibrant and widely celebrated editions to date, with festivities lighting up cities across the island from family-friendly parades to high-energy adult parties. Held on Friday, October 31, 2025, the celebrations spanned several weeks, featuring major events in Taipei, Kaohsiung, Tainan, and Hsinchu County, offering immersive experiences
Halloween 2025 in Taiwan: A Spooktacular Nationwide Celebration Read More »
Taiwan was not a battlefield of the Opium Wars, yet the conflicts set it on a new course. Once a frontier of the Qing Empire, it caught the attention of British, American, and French powers. From coal and camphor to naval blockades, the island’s story shifted as the ripple of war drew it into global contests.
Taiwan’s Quiet Role in the Shadow of the Opium Wars Read More »
As autumn arrives in Taiwan, the Moon Festival brings families together for one of the most cherished celebrations of the year. This ancient tradition combines moonlit gatherings, delicious mooncakes, and barbecues that fill neighborhoods with warmth, creating memories that connect past and present in Taiwan’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Under the Full Moon, Taiwan Grills and Glows Read More »
Goodbye, summer of fierce light and sudden storms. You gave us heavy skies split by typhoons, nights thick with heat, mornings of cicadas crying without rest. I will remember the weight of your air, the taste of mangoes, the streets shimmering in late-afternoon sun. You were stubborn, endless, almost unbearable, yet full of life.
Ode to Summer’s Farewell, and Autumn’s Arrival Read More »
The Chinese typewriter is more than a machine—it is a cultural bridge. From clumsy 19th-century prototypes to elegant designs like Lin Yutang’s MingKwai and IBM’s electric models, each step showed how tradition could bend without breaking. Today’s digital input methods stand as proof that Chinese writing, once seen as an obstacle, remains resilient in the modern world.
Tradition Meets Machine : The Chinese Typewriter Saga Read More »
As summer’s sweaty grip loosens and the air starts to hum with a crisp, golden vibe, Asia—oh, glorious Asia—gears up for its fall fiesta. Autumn in this part of the world is like nature’s grand encore, a dazzling show of colors, flavors, and festivals that make you want to twirl through the streets with a
A Whimsical Whirl Through Asia’s Autumnal Charm: Taiwan and Beyond Read More »
The Legend and History of the Dragon Boat Festival The Dragon Boat Festival, known as Duanwu Jie (端午節) in Mandarin, is one of the most significant traditional holidays in Chinese culture. Celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, this festival has a rich history dating back over 2,000 years. The most well-known
The 2025 Dragon Boat Festival in Taiwan: A Celebration of Tradition and Culture Read More »
Our bus dropped us off at the bottom of the hill, accompanied by a cheerful “Goodbye” and “Enjoy your visit” from the bus driver. The dense morning fog was beginning to lift, and as it did, we were able to see the famous stone lions that have steadfastly guarded the entrance to the National Palace
Stone Lions, Morning Fog, and a Museum Full of Wonders Read More »
