The Qing Ming festival’s origin is credited to Tang dynasty Emperor Xuanzong, (713-756 CE). The name “Qing Ming ” literally means “clear brightness”, a time when spring has arrived and there is a feeling of new growth and rejuvenation among people.
Qing Ming – A Time Honored Tradition Read More »
Astoria’s unique history makes it remarkable from other coffee shops in Taipei. The history of Astoria could be traced back to 1920s when the owner Mr. Chien founded Astoria with other three Belarusian. It was at that time the first bakery shop along with the coffee shop that was established the next year in that
The Astoria Café and Bakery Celebrates its 101st Anniversary Read More »
Suzan Babcock is a long-time resident of Taiwan. During her stay here, she has managed four successful careers in education, cross-cultural relations and counseling, although being a mother has been her favorite. (Please click or tap on any thumbnail to view it in full screen and make it readable.) This Article was published in
Sue Babcock : An Honored Legacy – Coming Full Circle Read More »
Charlene Delaunay, a member of the Northern Arapaho tribe returns to the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming to help her uncle with his sheep ranch – eventually purchasing it from him. Little did she or Manu, her French husband know that they would become targets of intense discrimination and hatred from long-time reservation neighbors –
Book Review : Bitter Water – A Memoir of Discrimination in Indian Country Read More »
This year, the Taiwan Lantern Festival is expected to be the biggest in the event’s more than 30-year history. Taipei will be the 2023 host and it is ready to celebrate. (Please click or tap on any thumbnail to view it in full screen and make it readable.) This Article was published
Celebrating Taipei’s Lantern Festival of Light and the Arrival of Spring Read More »
It’s strange, but for me, memories are usually made up of common things and those things are often tied up with food. Memories that involve defining food moments from childhood like my granny’s Taiwanese cold tofu and vegetable salad or her Japanese chewy ‘red noodles’ soaked in Japanese-style dashi broth, with bonito flakes and kombu.
Community Cuisine Corner Read More »
The Chinese have over the centuries, developed a belief system and symbols for warding off evil. Various methods continue, even now, to be used to prevent bad spirits from entering one’s home or workplace. During the Tang dynasty (618-907) posters of door gods were among the more popular methods of seeking protection. These traditional posters
The Chinese Lunar New Year : Door Gods and Firecrackers Read More »
History and traditions are closely related to the lives of our ancestors. For the Taiwan Truku, also known as Taroko people, their society is a kinship or ‘gaya’ society, where home is the center of the tribal unit. Grandmothers and mothers are significant in the passing of the tribe’s oral history and traditions to the
The Woven Threads of Truku Ancestral Spirit Culture Read More »
“Duo Bao Ge” (多寶格) is the Chinese term given to the imperial “treasure boxes.” Their sole purpose was to store small and intricately carved objects. These wooden boxes and cases with their lacquered drawers, shelves of various sizes and shapes were individually made to contain a specified number of objects. Craftsmen from within China, as
Favorite Treasure Boxes of the Emperors Read More »
Exploring the diverse culinary traditions and cultures within our international and local communities, past and present, offers readers unique opportunities to learn about the rich histories and changing cultures that are associated with different countries and their food traditions. (Please click or tap on any thumbnail to view it in full screen and make it
Past and Present Culinary Traditions Read More »
