Culture and Traditions

Taiwan, a country with a mixture of tradition and modernity, is enrich with their unique culture that can be seen in the locals way of life. The culture reflects greatly on their customs and traditions of the Taiwanese people.

Arts and Dance
Taiwan art is a strong pillar that holds that traditions of their country. There are a few museums that have rich collections that reflects the special features of Taiwan art. E.g. Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts and Taipei Fine Arts Museum. Some areas of arts which can be found in Taiwan includes puppetry, painting, ceramic and calligraphy, to name a few.

Taiwan also has a distinct style of dance. The traditional dance is know as "tai ke wu" by the locals, is a form of dance the comprises many foot movements. The original form of dance was however substantially altered in today's context.

An example of "tai ke wu":

Religion in Taiwan
Like Singapore, Taiwan has a diversity of religious group. They practice freedom of religion and accepting foreign religions generously. Even within the same family, it is common for different faith to exits. The major religions are Buddhism and Taoism. Catholicism has also spread in Taiwan and a minority of Islamic exists as well.

Food culture
All the dishes of Taiwan have something unique to offer. Their food are well known among food lovers across the world. At a comparatively cheap price, one can enjoy the delicious local delicacies. Street snacks are particularly more popular to the locals as well as tourists. They are namely fermented tofu, scallion pancakes, oyster mee sua, Taiwanese sausages and also bubble milk tea to name a few out of the many snacks available.

Some traditional food that has been passed down from generation to generation holds a certain place in the heart of Taiwanese. Pig blood cake, made of pig's blood and sticky rice is all Taiwanese's favourite delicacy. From young to old, it is hard to find anyone who have never eaten it before. However, it has been added recently to the world's top ten most unusual food and is banned in US due to the inquisition of its hygiene. However, this does not affect the Taiwanese's love for pig blood cake as it holds the tradition of their ancestor who weren't as well off back in the olden days.

Another food of traditional value is Taiwan's meatball. When speaking of meatball, what people think of are the round pork or chicken balls commonly seen. However, many would be surprise that Taiwanese meatballs are actually more like large dumplings. Pork meatball, mushrooms and bamboo are wrapped in dumpling skin and are usually fried or steamed. This recipe have been passed down from a long time and continues to receive love from the Taiwanese.



Special culture

Convenience store culture
Taiwan probably has the highest density of convenience store per person in the world. In Taipei, it is normal to see 7-Elevens across the street from each other. Convenience stores can be found everywhere such that it provides services like utility bills, credit cards payment for financial institution or government. 81% of the household visits the convenience store at least once per week. The ease of access that allows people to purchase food and other necessities 24/7 makes it part of the Taiwanese daily life.

Pop culture
Pop culture falls under two distinct categories. One of them is Taiwanese pop, which is sung in their native dialects and is more popular among the older population. On the other hand, Mandarin pop appealed to the younger generation. This culture has spread its influence on a global scale and made Taiwan known to many to the extend that Taiwan's famous singer, Jolin Tsai was made the tourism ambassador. This comes to show how great an influence pop culture can bring.

Night market culture
Night market is perhaps one the best place for a culture experience. Other than their famous street snacks sold along the sidewalks, it also features various form of entertainments and lots of shopping. Numerous fashion products are available for sale and carnival-style games can be found at the price of a few coins. The atmosphere is always crowded and noisy with hawkers shouting out to their customers.

Betel nut culture
In Taiwan, betel nut is sold by skimpily clad women in see through road-side stands. This culture is often considered low-class and vulgar by the local officials. However, it is part of Taiwan's culture that is already deeply engrained. It has become a unique cultural icon that distinguishing their country from other betel-loving nations.

Betel nut girls in Taiwan:



Credits: xxx