Kite season in Taiwan usually gets underway at the beginning of April. However, with all the mild, sunny days that Taipei has been having so far this winter, people are heading to open spaces such as the plaza adjoining the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, to fly kites. On a recent visit there, friends and I counted five kites flying high in the sky. They were magnificent to watch as they danced and bobbed in the gusts of wind.
There’s something invigorating about celebrating Lunar New Year in Taiwan. Perhaps it’s the steady buildup of enthusiasm and expectation as the eve of the New Year approaches and that the long preparation list of traditional things-to-do has been completed.
Ringing in the Year of the Fire Rooster Read More »
In a quiet, remote village in southeastern Bali, far from the beaten tourist paths, is the village of Tenganan, a community of indigenous weavers. It is here that the ancient technique of double ikat weaving is found, one of Indonesia’s rarest forms of textile weaving. (Please click or tap on any thumbnail to view it
The Samyama Gallery – a Treasure Chest for Fine Indonesian Textiles Read More »
Each year in Taiwan, as the first day of the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar draws near, ghosts are on everyone’s mid. For it is on this day that the gates of Hell are opened and hordes of hungry ghosts rush forth to eat, drink and collect “ghost money” from the living.
There are many legends associated with the zodiac dragon, the mightiest of all the zodiac mythical creatures. Dragons have long been associated with Chinese history and culture, where they are the symbols of good fortune and auspicious power. The classic dragon has the head of an ox, adeer’s antlers, the mane of a horse, the body of a snake, the claws of an eagle and the tail of a fish.
When asked to think about food, its impact in our lives and our relationship with it, most of us will consider food as a means to satisfy our needs, to keep our bodies functioning and to bring pleasure to our lives. Food serves those purposes, but for many, its power goes beyond our basic needs.
Haiti’s Rich History and Cultural Cuisine Read More »
Today at lunch with a good friend, we shared stories about being the beneficiaries of kindness from people in Taiwan and how these individuals just seemed to “pop up” into our lives at the right moment. Often times, they were complete strangers wanting to be nice and do the right thing for someone in need.
The Icebreaker Project : Heartfelt Inspiration Read More »
In Asia, there is a cultural Buddhist and Taoist tradition, which has been observed since ancient times; one that many respectfully fear… it is the month when the gates of Hades are open and ghosts, including those of deceased ancestors leave the lower realms to visit the living on earth. According to the Chinese lunar
Opening the Gates of Hades Read More »
There is something about a good story that makes people perk up and listen. Living in Taiwan, we certainly hear a great many stories, fables and proverbs. The Dragon Boat Festival (端午節; duanwujie) is held on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar (which usually falls in June). The position
Dragon Boat Festival Stories and Traditions Read More »
An old Chinese legend recounts the tale of a man by the name of Liang Ping-lin, who kept failing to pass the Imperial Examination (a prerequisite to government service) which would surely lead to a life of honor and privilege. Despondent, desperate and feeling victimized, Liang went to a local temple to pray to Hsien
Ancient Chinese Children’s Toys Read More »
