乡土文化与英文

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乡土文化与英文
Homeland culture and English
乡土的定义
The definition of the homeland
一,乡土的定义:The definition of the homeland
(一)学者的见解 : The scholar's views
1.乡土是一个人出生的地方.
2.乡土是一个人出生或长期居住和生活的地方.
3.乡土是与生活有密切关系之自然及社会.
4.乡土是指属於吾人所居住之本乡本地的一切人为和自然环境.
(二)综合言之 : To sum up
乡土是一个人出生或长期居住和生活的地方及其自然,人文与社会环境的综合体,是一个人们深受其影响,对其具有深厚感情,并负有维护责任的地方.
(三)乡土识觉 : The consciousness of homeland
人对乡土的识觉具有「属於感,熟悉感,亲切感,舒适感,价值感,责任感」.
(四)乡土的时间感 : The time feeling of the hometown
乡土感大多植根於幼年,少年,长期居住时的人生阶段.故乡土是成长空间,生活空间.
(五)乡土的空间感 : The space feeling of the hometown
1.弹性空间 : 乡土空间感因年龄,生活经验,情境而异.
2.阶层空间 : 乡土空间感随情境而异.例如居住於台北县永和市者,因情境
的改变,永和,台北,台湾,中国,亚洲,地球都是他的乡土.因此,地
球村,地球市或世界公民的概念,将随时间的演进而日渐显著.
二,乡土概念构成的要素:The main factor constituted by homeland concept
乡土范围 : The scope of homeland
乡土既是人们出生或长期居住和生活的地方,那麼乡土就不仅一个地方,
也不仅指出生的地方.乡土的空间大小是随著人们年龄与生活经验及其所在空间不同而扩大,它是具有横的相对关系与纵的子母关系.兹举例说明如下: 甲出生於台北市,乙出生於台中市,丙出生於江西,丁出生於美国,戊出生於其他星球,那麼对乙而言,台北市是甲的乡土,对丙而言,台湾是甲的乡土,对丁而言,中国是甲的乡土,对戊而言,地球是甲的乡土.换言之,台北市之於台湾,台湾之於中国,中国之於地球,都如子之於母的关系.因此,对甲而言,在不同的情境中,台北市,台湾,中国,地球都是其乡土.如此的乡土空间观念才不致於使乡土的观念局限於狭隘的地域观念,才是健康的乡土观念.
乡土内涵 : The Content of homeland
乡土的内涵指乡土的客体,包括两大项目 :
1.自然要素 : 指乡土上的地形,地质,气候,水文,动植物,土壤等.是供应人类生存所必须的一切物质.
2.人文要素 : 指人类在其乡土上各种有形的建设,如交通,聚落,经济活动,及无形的文化,风俗习惯,语言等.
(三)乡土情感 : The emotion of homeland
乡土是识觉的空间,生活的空间,主体的空间.因为人们与其乡土,朝夕相处,交互作用,相互影响,自然而然产生不可分离的密切的关系,乡土情怀便不知不觉地深植於心中.但是此份情怀的浓淡,与人们在其乡土上相处时间的长短和个人主观的自我意识有密切的关系.没有情感存在的地方不能形成乡土观念.
(四)乡土责任 : The responsibility of homeland
人与其乡土之间是无时不在交互作用,相互影响的,因此,乡土环境品质良窳影响人们生活福祉至深且钜.乡土环境品质全赖居住其上的人们来维护,所以人们对他所居住的乡土负有维护的责任,同时也应尽回馈乡土的义务,而不是仅从乡土中获取生活物质.
乡土教育
Homeland education
乡土亲,乡土情,生长在自己的故乡,要了解自己的故乡.乡土文化教学需要大家共同推动..台湾的人文古迹因人文背景及环境位置的特殊性,形成了特有的民俗活动,值得我们共同来参与.记录历史过程的古迹建筑,寺庙,期待著我们追著历史的足迹,让我们带著您一起来...
一,乡土教育的目的: Purposes
学校推广乡土教育不是要加深地域的观念,其主要目的应在 :
(一)增进学生对乡土文化的了解,培养学生热爱乡土的情怀.
(二)增进学生对乡土环境的了解,培养学生爱护生活环境的情操.
(三)培养学生野外观察的能力,改进学生户外旅游的观念.
(四)增进学生对乡土问题的了解,培养学生服务社会的热诚.
(五)培养学生对各族群文化的尊重,增进学生社会族群间的和谐.
二,乡土教育的内涵: Contents
知性的教育 : The education of the knowledge
乡土环境教育要教人们有关乡土的自然要素与人文要素,让人们对乡土的环境有充分的理解,以作为培养乡土感情的基础及建设乡土的基本知识.
情意的教育 : The education of the affection
人们对乡土有爱并具有责任感,乡土观念才能形成,显示乡土教育具有情意的教育功能.缺乏情意的教育功能,便失去乡土教育的意义.
艺能的教育 : The education of the talent and skill
透过对乡土艺能的学习,对乡土的认知将更为深刻,也可使乡土艺术获得传承.台湾各乡镇有许多珍贵的乡土艺术与技能,应该藉由乡土艺术教育与活动来发扬光大,同时凸显台湾乡土文化的特徵.
三. 课程说明: Curriculum explanation
乡土教学是要培养学生对其生活空间进行价值澄清与态度养成的学习过程.本质上是一种情意取向的学习活动.乡土教学的最终目的在使学生意识到地表上有一块与自己生活具有亲密关系的土地存在著,并能使学生肯定和认同这一块土地及其对自己的意义,进而使学生能关怀这一块土地及其居民的过去,现在与未来,期使学生不断地适应与参与自己的乡土生活,并养成学生尊重和欣赏乡土的独特风格.
乡土教学之目的就狭义方面言之:一则在於了解乡土之自然背景及社会,历史,文化..等人文背景,一则在於培养个人之乡土爱,并利用所学得之乡土知识,能对乡土有所贡献.再就广义方面而言,乡土教学不仅在使学生了解本乡本土的环境与文化,并且以此知识为基础,帮助学生认识更广更远的其他地区,以至於全国全世界的环境与文化.乡土教育不仅在培养狭隘的乡土爱和地区观念,而且更以乡土爱为出发点,以国家为大乡土,培养爱国家爱民族的精神.进而更培养以仁爱为出发点的爱人类爱和平之信念.就此言之,乡土教学之实施,不仅与我国修齐治平依次推展之民族哲学相合,与 国父由宗族而国族以迄於世界大同的精神一致,更与联合国所提出的国际了解与世界和平之目标相同.本课教学将与「苗栗学」的宗旨结合,开创教学的新页.此教学之目标正完全合符本校「联合」的精神.
教学过程中潜移默化的与英文教学结合一起,从中又可学习到英文,提升英文的能力,让学生在寓教於乐中受益无穷,获益良多.
乡土教学的教材尽量以浅简易懂而又实用的英文相辅相成,藉此提升学学习兴趣及外语能力,让学生能在一次学习中有「一举数得」的感觉与实惠.
四. 授课内容: Teaching content
提供新鲜有趣的教材:教材中以浅简易懂的英文配合教学
1.乡土教材内容:根据乡土的定义与乡土观念构成的条件来编辑教材,其内容包含:
(1)地理的:包括自然环境要素如气候,水文,土壤生物,及人文环境要素如人口,交通,经济发展,聚落,政治...等.
(2)历史的:主要包括乡土的历史发展,古迹,文物.风俗习惯,乡贤事迹...等.
(3)政治的:指行政机关,地方首长,政治制度….等.
(4)社会的:包括社会制度,社会教育机构,民间团体,社会福利措施...等.
(5)生态的:指特殊动植物或生态系统...等.
(6)文学的:指乡土语言,文学,或以文学体材来描述乡土环境的特徵.
2.教材乡土化:乡土教学主要在让学生了解乡土的特性,故教材必须是与乡土最有密切相关的,必是地方性的,是该乡土所独有的.如此才能显示出乡土教学的特色,也才能达成乡土教学的目的.
4.教材趣味化:所谓教材趣味化就是选择比较能引起学生学习兴趣的题材来教学,或将比较枯躁无味的教材加以修饰,成为学生喜欢学习的题材.
5.教材故事化:喜欢听故事是学生的天性,将乡土教材编撰成故事题材来教学,必能让学生喜欢乡土教学.事实上台湾史就是一部近代拓垦史,在各乡镇都曾发生过许多可歌可泣的史实,都是最能吸引学生的乡土教材.此外,将乡土的各种地理景观附加故事背景,从故事叙述中达成乡土环境教学的目标,也是一种可行的方法.
6.教材浅简易懂化:学生一般知识尚不广博,更谈不上精深,因此,乡土教材的编选应力求精简,去芜存菁,尽量舍去无意义的,数字性的,记忆性的题材.
7. 教材尽量英文化:教材内容要配合浅简易懂而又实用的英文来教,藉此来提升学生语言能力.
五. 授课方式: Teaching method 活泼多样的教法
1.教法要领: The main outlines of teaching method:
(1)先感性而后知性:教学首先须引起学生的听讲兴趣,激扬学生的心绪,而逐渐进入教学主题.所以教学应先感性而后知性,但感性时段宜适可而止,不宜过长,占去过多正规教学时间.
(2)速度宜缓:教学速度宜缓慢有条理,多数学生才能适应.一般教师常犯的缺点就是自己滔滔不绝的讲,而不顾及学生的适应情形.
(3)善用辅助器材:工欲善其事,必先利其器,乡土教学方法与社会科的教学方法一样,应该尽量使用教具,仪器,地图与实物来教学,才能提升学生的学习兴趣,增进学习的效果.
(4)给学生亲身体验的机会:学者研究发现人类学习的记忆程度,来自听闻者占百分之十,来自阅读者占分百分之三十,来自目睹者占百分之五十,来自亲身做过者占百分之九十.许多教师常犯的缺点之一,就是只顾自己讲解,没有给学生实际「做」的机会.使学生因无参与感而降低学习的情绪.
(5)与学生打成一片.
2.室内教学: Indoors teaching
(1) 多利用实物,图片,幻灯片,投影片,录影带来教学,教学过程才会生动有趣.
(2) 多用问思教学法:乡土环境教学除了知性的教学之外,更重要的是情意的教学,要让学生了解乡土环境与人生的关系,培养学生对乡土建设的责任感,实施乡土教育才有意义.因此,在教学的过程中,应多用问思教学法,让学生经过充分的思考与省思,才能达成教学目标.
(3) 请学生说出对乡土的经验,提供学生相互学习的机会:每一位学生或多或少都对乡土环境有所认识,让学生说出对乡土环境的经验,可以提升学生的学习兴趣.
(4) 使用多样教学法:乡土教学最忌仅用讲述方式,教师应该多用讨论,辩论,角色扮演,演说等方式来教学,也就是多给学生活动,操作的机会,让学生从做中学,才能引起学生的学习兴趣.
(5)善用解说技巧:解说项讲求技巧,但是技巧有赖经验的累积,因此,每次解说完了应加以检讨,改进缺失.经验多了,自然生巧.
3. 室外教学: Outdoors teaching
有时采用户外访问,调查,观察,参访,观摩...等学习身历其境,以收教学实效.
参, 认识台湾
Knowing Taiwan
一. 亚洲地图 Map of Asia
二. Location of Taiwan (Formosa island)台湾的位置
三. 台湾地图 Map of Taiwan
四. 瞥视一下台湾: A glance at Taiwan
Mountainous array, Soaring forests, Natural setting, Cultural
延绵的山脉,高耸的丛林, 天然的景象, 文化本质
essence, all this has formed the beauty of Taiwan in its
所有这一切透过它的原始风貌形成了台湾之美.
primitive way. Touring Taiwan.
到台湾一游吧 !
Location: 位置
Eastern Asia, islands bordering the East China Sea, Philippine Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait台湾 海峡, north of the Philippines, off the southeastern coast of China
Area: 区域:
Total: 35,980 sq km 总计: 35,980 sq 公里
Note: includes the Pescadores澎湖群岛, Matsu妈祖, and Quemoy金门
Water: 水域: 3,720 sq km 3,720 sq 公里
Land: 土地:32,260 sq km
Climate: 气候:
Tropical; marine; rainy season during southwest monsoon (June to August); cloudiness is persistent and extensive all year
热带; 海洋性; 雨季 在整个西南季风期间 (六月到八月); 阴沈
Terrain: 地形
Eastern two-thirds mostly rugged mountains; flat to gently rolling plains in west
Natural resources:天然资源:
Small deposits of coal, natural gas, limestone, marble, and asbestos
煤(储存量少), 天然气, 锻石, 大理石, 和石绵
Natural hazards: 天然灾害
Earthquakes and typhoons 地震和台风.
People 人民
22,548,009 (July 2002 est.)
Ethnic groups: 族群:
Taiwanese (including Hakka) 84%, Mainland Chinese 14%, aborigine 2%
台湾人(含客家人) 84%, 大陆中国人 14%, 土著居民 2%
Religions:
Mixture of Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist 93%, Christian 4.5%, other2.5％
混合式的佛教,儒家和道教 (占93%),基督教4.5%,其它2.5％
Languages: 语言
Mandarin Chinese (official), Taiwanese (Min), Hakka dialects, Aborigine's dialects
国语 (官方的), 台湾话(闽南话) , 客家话, 原住民方言
五. 国号:Name of country (R.O.C.)
国旗:The National flag of R.O.C.
面积 : 36,000 平方公里
人口 : 约2300万人
首都 : 台北市
人民 : 汉人,原住民
语言 : 华语/台语/客家话/原住民方言
宗教 : 佛教/道教/基督教/天主教
总统 : 陈水扁
执政党: 民主进步
Area :36,000 square kilometers
Population: 23million
Capital : Taipei City
People : Chinese ,Aborigine
Language : Mandarin Chinese (official), Taiwanese (Min), Hakka dialects
/ Aborigine's dialects
Religion : Buddhism/Taoism/Christian
President : Chen Shui-bian
Ruling party: Democracy progress
六. 概况: general
台湾是个呈南北狭长型的海岛,面积约有3.6万平方公里(14,400平方英哩),位於亚洲大陆东南方,太平洋西岸东亚岛弧间,北临日本,琉球群岛,南接菲律宾群岛,是往来亚洲各地的枢纽;航空网路四通八达,为非常便利的旅游地之一.
Taiwan's total land area is only about 3,6000 square kilometers; it is shaped like a tobacco leaf that is narrow at both ends. It lies on the southeastern part of mainland Asia, in between the Taiwan Straits and Mainland China; one of the solitary islands on the western coast of the Pacific Ocean. To the north lies Japan and Okinawa, to the south is the Philippines. Many airlines fly to Taiwan; this convenience makes it the perfect travel destination.
台湾不大,但蕴藏的自然资源和人文风貌却十足可观. 在自然资源方面,由於地层板块运动不断的进行,造成台湾复杂多变的地形地貌,高山,丘陵,平原,盆地,岛屿,纵谷与海岸等景观丰富;再加上北回归线恰好从中通过,使台湾同时拥有热带,亚热带,温带等各种自然生态,其中原生特有种的比例相当高,在18,400多种野生动物中即占20%以上,如樱花钩吻鲑,台湾弥猴,台湾黑熊,蓝腹鹇等,已使台湾成为世界保育的重地之一.
Taiwan is not big, but the natural resource and humanities appearances that contains in it are considerable. Lying on the western edge of the Pacific "rim of fire," the continuous tectonic movements have created majestic peaks, rolling hills and plains, basins, coastlines, and other wonders. Taiwan sees climates of many types: tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate; one is also able to experience the different seasons distinctively. There are about 18,400 species of wildlife on the island, with more than 20% belonging to rare or endangered species, Among these are Sakura salmon, Taiwan mountain goat, Formosan monkey, Formosan black bear, blue magpie, royal pheasant, Hsuehshan's grass lizard, and many more.
Have made Taiwan become one of the important precincts of the world conservation
为维护优美的自然景观与保护生态,境内设置6个国家公园和11个国家风景区,将全台最精华的自然美景和观光资源集合在内.不仅可探访太鲁阁气势磅礴的险峻高山峡谷;乘坐世界三大登山铁道的小火车,穿梭林间观看阿里山的日出,云海;抑或攀登东北亚第一高峰~玉山,见证雄伟山岳和四季景致之变幻;来到南台湾的垦丁,浓厚的海洋渡假气息让人感到轻松自在,享有「亚洲夏威夷」的美誉;日月潭则是一颗耀眼的山中明珠,湖山共融的景色教人叹绝!而花东海岸和纵谷,保留了东台湾最纯净的自然气息；离岛的金门与澎湖,则以丰富的地方特色,人文史迹拼凑出与众不同的风情…….这些都是宝岛美丽的召唤与邀约!
The government has established 6 national parks and 11 national scenic areas to preserve Taiwan's best natural ecological environment and culture relics. Take in the splendor and sheer heights of the cliffs at Taroko Gorge; take a ride on the Alishan train--one of only three mountain railways in the world--and experience the breathtaking sunset and seas of clouds; hike up to the summit of North Asia's highest peak, Jade Mountain. You can also soak up the sun in Kenting, Asia's version of Hawaii; stand at the edge of Sun Moon Lake; traipse through the Hua-Tong East Rift Valley; or visit the offshore islands of Kinmen and Penghu. It's fun in capital letters as well as an awesome journey of natural discovery!
在人文风貌方面,由於兼融闽南,客家,外省及原住民等不同的族群,形成多姿多彩的人文色彩,无论在宗教信仰,建筑,语言,生活习惯及饮食风味上,均处处展现和谐共荣的缤纷景象;其中「美食」为最鲜明的一项代表,举凡台菜,客家菜,湘菜,川菜,日式,韩式料理,或是传统小吃,地方特产美食,呈现出多元丰富的美食飨宴,使台湾「美食王国」之名备受世界肯定.
The cultural aspects are also not to be missed. The blending of hakka, Taiwanese, and main-land cultures has produced a rich plethora of cultural and social colors. Whether it is religion, architecture, language, living habits, or food, it's just one big exciting melting pot! Food is the best representative of this cultural mixing and matching. Aside from cuisines from different parts of the mainland such as Zhejiang, Hunan, Guangdong, Yunnan, Shanghai, Beijing, Sichuan, and others, there is also the local Taiwanese cuisine as well as the local delicacies of each.
注:「美食王国」:Delicacy Kingdom
七. 热情的台湾子民 The friendly people of Taiwan
台湾人口约2300万人,现在的台湾居民多为来自中国大陆各省的移民后裔,其中以东南沿海的福建,广东移民为最多,由於族群融合的情形相当普遍,原本承袭中国的省籍界线在今日的台湾已逐渐消逝.
Taiwan has a population of 23 million. The larger part of the island's inhabitants are the descendants of immigrants from the various provinces of mainland China, but in particular from the southeastern coastal provinces of Fujian and Guangdong. Because the different ethnic groups have fairly well integrated, differences that originally existed between people from different provinces have gradually disappeared.
此外,现今在台湾为数约三十六万人的原住民,是最早定居在此地的族群.
目前可分为:赛夏族,泰雅族,阿美族,布农族,卑南族,鲁凯族,排湾族,雅美族,曹族,邵族十族.
Some360,000 indigenous people, the original inhabitants of Taiwan, still live here;
They can be distinguished into 10 different tribes, namely the Saisiyat, the Atayal, the Amis, the Bunun, the Puyuma, the Rukai, the Paiwan, the Tao, the Sao and the Zou
八. 语言 Language
国语(北京话)是台湾的官方语言,而台湾族群由於以闽南人居多,因此会说闽南话(福佬话)的居民也不少.此外,人数较少的客家人与各族原住民,也都保有其族群所特有的语言.由於台湾受到日本殖民统治达半世纪之久,许多老一辈在光复前接受日本教育的居民还会说一点日语.
The official language of Taiwan is Mandarin Chinese (Guoyu), but because many Taiwanese are of southern Fujianese descent, Min-nan (the Southern Min dialect, or Holo) is also widely spoken. The smaller groups of Hakka people and aborigines have also preserved their own languages. Many elderly people can also speak some Japanese, as they were subjected to Japanese education before Taiwan was returned to Chinese rule in 1945 after the Japanese occupation which lasted for half a century.
台湾最普及的外语是英语,为国民教育重要的课程之一,但外国游客搭乘计程车时,还是先将目的地以中文书写再拿给司机看,是较为保险的作法.
The most popular foreign language in Taiwan is English, which is part of the regular school curriculum. However, to be on the safe side, when taking a taxi in Taiwan it is advisable to prepare a note with your place of destination written in Chinese to show the taxi driver.
此外,台北是学习中文的绝佳地点,有许多语言学校提供中文教学,由钟点课程到授与学分的大学课程都有,所以有许多欧美人士会利用渡假或花一,两年的时间来台湾学习中文.
Taiwan is also the most ideal place to learn Chinese. There are numerous language schools that offer Chinese classes, ranging from hourly-based classes to recognized university programs. Many foreigners from Europe and the United States, as well as other areas, come to Taiwan to spend their holidays, or one or two years, studying Chinese.
九. 历史年表 The form of year in history
西元1206 蒙古人成吉思汗建立元朝,台湾成为中国的属地
西元1624 荷兰人入侵台湾,展开37年的殖民时期
西元1626 西班牙人占领台湾北方
西元1661 荷兰人遭明朝遗臣国姓爷郑成功驱逐,台湾成为郑氏反清复明的基地
西元1684 台湾纳入福建省为清廷统治
西元1885 清朝正式宣布台湾成为中国第22个省
西元1895 朝鲜问题引发中日战争,清廷战败,依马关条约将台湾及澎湖群岛割让给日本
西元1945 第二次世界大战结束,台澎归还中国
西元1949 国民党撤守台湾,台北成为台湾首府
The Kuomintang withdraws to guard Taiwan, Taipei becomes the capital of Taiwan
西元2000 民进党陈水扁当选中华民国总统,结束了国民党结束长达54年的执政
Democratic Progressive Party Chen, Shui-bian wins an election the president of R.O.C., ending the Kuomintang and ending long 54 years ruling
十. 自然 Nature
1. 美丽之岛 Beautiful island
福尔摩沙(),是十六世纪荷兰人看到台湾这片青翠秀丽的岛屿所发出的赞叹;是的,绿意盎然的台湾美景将让你犹如置身世外桃源.
位於亚洲大陆东南沿海,太平洋西岸的台湾,介於日本和菲律宾之间,正居於东亚岛弧之中央位置,是亚太地区海,空运交通要道.总面积约为36,000平方公里(14,400平方英里).台湾本岛东西狭而南北长,全岛有三分之二的面积分布著高山林地,其他部分则由丘陵,平台高地,海岸平原及盆地所构成,主要山脉皆为南北走向,中央山脉由北到南纵贯全岛,是台湾东,西部河川的分水岭;其西侧的玉山山脉,主峰接近4,000公尺,为东北亚第一高峰
Formosa is what the Portuguese called Taiwan when they came here in the 16th century and saw the island's verdant beauty.
Located along the southeast coast of the Asian Continent at the western edge of the Pacific Ocean, between Japan and the Philippines and right in the center of the East-Asian island arc, Taiwan forms a vital line of communication in the Asia-Pacific region. It covers an area of approximately 36,000 square kilometers (14,400 square miles) and is longer than it is wide. Two-thirds of the total area is covered by forested mountains and the remaining area consists of hilly country, platforms and highlands, coastal plains and basins. The Central Mountain Range stretches along the entire island from north to south, thus forming a natural line of demarcation for rivers on the eastern and western sides of the island. On the west side lies the Yushan Mountain Range with its main peak reaching 3,952 meters, the highest mountain peak in Northeast Asia.
2. 高山峻岭 The mountains
台湾拥有丰富的林相资源,三千公尺以上的山峰多达二九三座,是世界各国少有的地理现象.因为山地多,台湾各类型的登山活动相当风行,由郊山,中级山至攀登高山百岳,溪谷健行,溯溪探源,到长程越岭纵走,都可以藉著亲近苍郁溪谷,充分体验台湾的山林之美.不仅於此,台湾本岛的六个国家公园中更包含许多特殊的地形景观:立雾溪切割而成的太鲁阁国家公园峡谷风情,台湾最高的据点—东北亚第一高峰玉山,世纪奇峰大霸尖山的险峻岩峰,以及保留火山体,火口湖等景观的阳明山国家公园大屯火山群,极富南洋风情的垦丁国家公园热带灌丛…等.
Taiwan has been generously equipped with forests. Some 293 mountain peaks are more than 3,000 meters high, geographically making Taiwan incomparable to any other country in the world. As mountains can be found anywhere, mountain climbing is a popular leisure activity in Taiwan. One can choose to walk the mountains on the outskirts of the city or accept the challenge of climbing one of the numerous high mountains, follow the course of streams and valleys, trace back the source of rivers, or cross entire mountains. In any case, lush scenery will unfold before your eyes and it will not take too long before you'll be convinced of the beauty of Taiwan's mountains. In addition to this, six national parks offer a variety of distinct topographic landscapes: the Taroko National Park, a narrow ravine created by a river which has cut through the mountains, Yushan (Jade Mountain) National Parkhighest containing the highest landmark of Taiwan and also the highest peak in Northeast Asia, Shei-Pa National Park, featuring with its dangerously steep slopes; Yangmingshan National Park, offering volcanic craters and lakes; Kenting National Park, encompassing Taiwan's only tropical area which breathes a truly Southeast Asian atmosphere; and Kinmen National Park, with its storied granite hills.
3. 海洋世界 World of The sea
台湾拥有丰富的海洋生态,在东海岸太平洋,可以看到一群群瓶鼻海豚,飞旋海豚,花纹海豚,佛氏海豚,热带班海豚跳跃海面.而南方垦丁以及离岛的绿岛,澎湖地区,还有美丽的珊瑚群,蔚蓝美丽的海洋世界,尽收眼底.
旅游台湾,你将看到惊喜.
Taiwan has a very rich marine ecology. In the Pacific Ocean on Taiwan's east, groups of bottlenose dolphins, spinner dolphins, Risso's dolphins, and pantropical spotted dolphins can be seen jumping out of the water. Azure seas and magnificent coral reefs can be found in Kenting on the south end of Taiwan, and on Green Island and the islands of the Penghu Archipelago. It is there for you to discover and marvel at.
4. 生态公园 Eco-parks
台湾气候温暖,雨量丰沛,泻湖及沙洲,平原,盆地,丘陵,台地,山岳等各式地形齐备,使台湾具丰富庞杂的动植物资源,并孕育出繁多的生物种类,一个大型的生态公园就此形成.此外,台湾沿岸由於泥质滩地及红树林生长,吸引了来自各地的侯鸟群,成为侯鸟过境栖息的庇护所;有在春夏之际由热带地区到台湾来避暑的夏侯鸟,如羽色艳丽漂亮的八色鸟;也有在秋季时由寒温带南下到台湾避寒的冬候鸟,如全世界所剩不多的黑面琵鹭,每年都会来到台湾曾文溪口沼泽地度冬,以及在每年国庆期间,准时来台共度光辉十月的国庆鸟—灰面鹫;还有更多以台湾为中继站或迁徙终点的侯鸟群,为台湾的生态加注了旺盛的生命力!
Taiwan has a warm and humid climate and a variety of terrain, including sandbars, plains, basins, hills, plateaus, and mountains. As a result, the island is home to abundant animal and plant life, including various endemic species, and can therefore be regarded as one gigantic eco-park. Because of the formation of mud flats and mangroves along the coast, large numbers of migratory birds from around the world are attracted to Taiwan, where they use these coastal areas as a temporary shelter and rest area before they resume their journey. In spring and summer there are the birds that leave the tropics behind to spend this season in Taiwan, such as the eye-catching fairy pitta, known in Chinese as the eight-color bird, while during autumn birds from colder northern areas come to Taiwan to spend the winter, such as the black-faced spoonbill of which only 530 are left worldwide. Each year the gray-faced buzzard will be right on time to participate in the Double Tenth celebrations (Taiwan's national day), and there are also countless other migratory birds that use Taiwan either as a stopover or as their final destination, one way or the other adding exuberant vitality to Taiwan's wildlife.
One surprise after the other will come to you when traveling in Taiwan.
十一. 气候 climate
一. 气象万千的台湾 The volatile climate of Taiwan
如果你来自高纬度国家,那麼旅游台湾,你将可以抛掉厚重的外衣,尽情享受温暖和煦的阳光,或者你想一尝畅快流汗的快感,可以到台湾南部四季如夏的垦丁沙滩,也不用担心会被艳阳晒伤,因为位於亚热带气候区的海岛台湾,阳光耀眼不刺激;再加上四面环海,深受海洋气流的影响,湿润的天气型态将让你全然忘却那乾燥寒冷的感觉.
如果你来自低纬度国家,依然可以陶醉於这里温煦的阳光,因为台湾拥有多一份的清凉,绝对可以满足你想远离酷暑的心愿.到台湾的山区走走,满山翠绿的景致,是来一场森林浴的绝佳时刻,投身在森林的精气和香气中,请恣意呼吸台湾这片美丽岛屿的清新空气吧!
If you are from a high-latitude country, you can leave your winter coat behind when coming to Taiwan and indulge in the pleasant warmth of the sun. If you'd rather experience the carefree sensation of healthy beads of sweat running down your forehead, then you should visit the beach at Kenting in southern Taiwan where it is summer all year round.
二. 温度 Temperature
大体而言,台湾全年温暖,四季中以春冬的变化较大,夏秋变化较小,有著最适合旅游的天气,年平均温度约为22度,平均最低温不过12-17度(54-63℉),所以这里的冬天看不到霭霭白雪,只有在少数的高山地区,可以一瞥雪花的影子.在春夏之交时［每年的3月~5月］,偶受滞留锋面徘徊影响,有著细雨绵绵的天气型态,此时到访台湾,要记得随身带把雨伞,因为漫步雨间虽然浪漫,但是你可不想带著湿淋淋的身体旅行.台湾的夏天［每年的6月~8月］,偶尔会有台风经过,请你留意气象报导,因为台风天所造成海边波涛汹涌的海浪,绝对不是观赏奇景的好时机.在秋天的台湾［约每年的9月~10月］,你则可以纵情於天天的晴朗凉爽里.台湾短暂而温暖的冬天［每年的11月~2月］,是赏枫的季节,偶尔来袭的寒流,是泡汤族的最爱.
四季如春的台湾,是你旅游的最佳选择!
Don't worry too much about getting burnt by the dazzling sun; the island of Taiwan is located in the subtropical climate zone, and the sun is not as stinging hot as it seems bright.
Furthermore, the island is surrounded by oceans; and the ocean breezes, which are the reason for Taiwan's humid weather, will surely make you completely forget the dry cold back home. If you are from a low-latitude country, you will certainly revel in the nice warmth of Taiwan's sun.
Because of the coolness that hangs in the air, it is a welcoming change from the simmering heat of your native country. You can do some hiking in the mountains, surrounding yourself with the beautiful trees of the forest while inhaling some of that pure and fresh air that blows on the island of Taiwan.
Taiwan enjoys warm weather all year round. The strongest fluctuations in weather conditions are during spring and winter, while during summer and autumn the weather is relatively stable. Taiwan is extremely suitable for traveling, as the annual average temperature is a comfortable 22 degrees Celsius with lowest temperatures ranging from 12 to 17 degrees Celsius (54-63 Fahrenheit). Therefore, with the exception of a few mountain areas where some traces of snow can be found during winter, no snow can be seen throughout Taiwan. When summer is about to dismiss spring (March to May), continuously drizzling rain will sometimes fall on Taiwan. When visiting Taiwan during this period, remember to carry an umbrella at all times; because although it might seem romantic to have a stroll in the rain, it is no fun to travel when you're soaking wet. During the summer (June to August) typhoons sometimes reach the island.
During this period we suggest you keep an eye on weather reports, because during typhoon weather the roaring waves at the coast are not to be regarded as one of Taiwan's tourist scenes. During autumn (September to October) you can wholeheartedly enjoy the cool and soothing weather, while Taiwan's relatively warm and short winter (November to February) is the time for you to admire the beautifully colored maple trees. The cold fronts that reach Taiwan sporadically are greatly favored by the island's hot spring lovers.
In short, Taiwan, where it always seems to be spring, is your perfect travel destination!
十二. 文化 Culture
欢迎光临~台湾文化盛会
Welcome to Taiwan - a Melting Pot of Different Cultures
初到台湾的你,一定会为这眼前的一切感到惊艳不已,因为丰富多元的历史背景,造就了多彩多姿的台湾文化.台湾发展的过程中包括了原住民,早期中国大陆闽南,客家移民,荷兰人,西班牙人,日本人和近期的中国大陆移民,而此地人民甚为注重传统文化的保存,也逐渐发展出新的文化,同时,在台湾你可以看到原住民,本土以及中国文化,也可以欣赏到荷兰,日本所留下的历史古迹.
If this is your first visit to Taiwan, you will most certainly be amazed at the diversity of things this beautiful island has to offer, as a rich historical background has provided Taiwan with a multifaceted culture. People from many different places and backgrounds, such as Taiwan's indigenous people, the southern Fujianese from early China, Hakka immigrants, the Dutch, Spanish, and Japanese, and the recent immigrants from mainland China. have all played a role in Taiwan's development. While gradually developing a new culture indigenous to Taiwan, they also held on to their respective customs and traditions; as a result, you will be able to sample indigenous, Taiwanese, and Chinese cultures and even find traces left by the Dutch and the Japanese when traveling in Taiwan.
2. 中华文化 Chinese Culture
台湾是中国传统文化与艺术的中心,除了故宫博物院完整保存了中国历代文物之外,也可以从以下各个面向窥探:
Taiwan forms the center of Chinese art and culture, which is not only obvious from the exhaustive collection of cultural relics from past dynasties exhibited in the famous National Palace Museum, but can also be perfectly illustrated by the traditional architecture and folk art found in Taiwan.
(1) 寺庙与建筑Temples and Architecture
台湾的传统建筑,是民间艺术的总汇,装饰特别精美,举凡彩画,书法,木雕,石雕,泥塑,陶瓷,剪黏等都是构成建筑的要素,从中能深刻的洞悉富丰富内涵的台湾文化.此外,除了可以在台湾看到由早期中国大陆闽南,客家移民所承袭的中国传统建筑外(如:板桥林家花园),中国的庙宇建筑也是随处可见,其中鹿港的龙山寺,天后宫以及北港朝天宫等,都是台湾最知名且历史悠久的寺庙,具有崇高的艺术价值.
Taiwan's traditional architecture is an aggregation of folk art. Decorations are refined and while they form an important part of the architecture, ranging from colored paintings to calligraphic illustrations, wooden and stone carvings, clay sculptures and ceramics, they
tell the story of Taiwan's rich culture. Next to traditional Chinese architecture brought to Taiwan by the southern Fujianese from early China and the Hakka immigrants (such as can be seen in Bangiao at the Lin Family Garden), architectural features used in Chinese temples can also be found across Taiwan. Some of the most famous temples in Taiwan that are not only of historical but also of artistic value. are the Longshan (Dragon Mountain) Temple and the Mazu Temple (Queen of Heaven Temple) in Lugang, and the Chaotian Temple in Beigang.
(2)民俗文化与艺术 Folk Art and Culture
台湾重要的岁时节令包括春节,元宵节,端午节,七夕,中元节……等;而松柏岭玄天上帝祭典,大甲妈祖进香,北港妈祖出巡,台北迎城隍,东港王船祭,二结王公过火及原住民祭典……等也是台湾本土重要的民俗活动.另外,台湾除了传承中国传统的戏曲艺术之外,也发展出属於台湾本土特有的歌仔戏与布袋戏,歌仔戏是结合台湾各种地方戏曲小调,音乐为一体的表演艺术;布袋戏近来更结合声光特效,广受年轻人喜爱.
台湾的电影与表演团体,近年来也逐渐在国际舞台上崭露头角,再次展现出中国传统与台湾本土文化的传承与创新.
Some of Taiwan's most important annual holidays and festivals include the Chinese New Year, the Lantern Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival, Lovers' Day, and the Hungry Ghosts Festival. But local Taiwanese folk events, such as the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage, the Goddess Mazu Making Rounds of Inspection in Beigang, the City God Welcoming in Taipei, the Burning of the Plague God Boat in Donggang, and aboriginal rituals, are also regarded as important celebrations. Next to keeping traditional Chinese opera alive, Taiwan has also developed its own Taiwanese opera and the famous glove puppet theater. Taiwanese opera combines local opera and music into one performing art, while the puppet theater has undergone great modernization in recent years and many special effects are added to performances today, making it extremely popular among Taiwan's younger generation. Taiwan's movies and performing groups are also gradually gaining ground on the international stage, once again demonstrating the traditional and creative value of Chinese and Taiwanese culture.
原住民文化 Aboriginal culture
丰年祭,祖灵祭,狩猎祭,图腾,蛇纹…,台湾原住民神秘的文化色彩,为台湾文化加注了不同的生命力.台湾的原住民族属於南岛语系,是南岛语族分布的最北端,在人种上属马来人.台湾原住民目前多定居於山区,分为:赛夏族,泰雅族,阿美族,布农族,卑南族,鲁凯族,排湾族,雅美族,曹族,邵族十族,有各自的语言,风俗习惯和部落结构,不过目前正面临同化与文化保存的问题.其中,台湾外岛兰屿的雅美族,由於地理上的隔绝,是最晚与汉人接触的一支,进而保存了最完整的原住民文化.
The mysterious customs and traditions of the aborigines, Taiwan's indigenous people, such as the Harvest Festival (Smatto), the Worship of Hunting (Mabuasu), spiritual rituals, totemism, and snake worship, give an extra dimension to Taiwan's culture. The aboriginal tribes of Taiwan form the most northern branch of the Austronesian language group, and ethnically belong to the Malay race. Most aborigines have retreated into the mountains; but although many are faced with assimilation, still some 10 different tribes that have their own languages, traditions, and tribal structure can be distinguished: the Saisiyat, the Atayal, the Amis, the Bunun, the Puyuma, the Rukai, the Paiwan, the Tao, the Sao and the Zou. Orchid Island's Yami(Tao) tribe has been relatively isolated due to the island's geographical location, and was the last to come in contact with the Han Chinese; this tribe, therefore, has been able to preserve its aboriginal culture the best.
4. 殖民影响 colonial culture
你可以在台湾的许多角落,看到过去殖民时代的影子.淡水的红毛城,是荷兰人与葡萄牙人占领台湾的遗址;台北人声鼎沸的迪化街,桃园大溪,台南新化等地,可见日据时代所遗留下来的巴洛克建筑,现在台北的许多日据时代的重要建筑,例如:台北西区的总统府,行政院,旧台大医院…等,都加了夜间照明以展现其古典婉约,成了点缀台北夜空的装饰,让台湾少了历史悲情,多了份艺术人文的浪漫风情.
Remnants of colonial periods can still be found in many parts of Taiwan. Fort San Domingo in Danshui, for example, used to be home to the Portuguese and the Dutch successively, while bustling places such as Taipei's Dihua Street, Taoyuan's Daxi area, and Tainan's Xinhua area have still been able to preserve the outstanding baroque architecture left by the Japanese. Some historically significant structures built during the Japanese occupation include the Presidential Office Building, the Executive Yuan, and the old National Taiwan University Hospital Building in Taipei. Recently, decorative night lighting has been installed to display the graceful features of these old structures while at the same time illuminating the night skies of Taipei and creating an artistic and romantic atmosphere.
5. 文化飨宴 Cultural Banquet
这就是台湾,一场文化飨宴.浪漫,传奇,庄严,趣味……你都可以在这里找到.
Taiwan incorporates all this, a true cultural banquet: whether you are looking for something romantic, legendary, stately, or interesting, it's all here for you to discover.
十三. 宗教 Religion
1. 宗教 - 心灵的寄托 The mind consigns
台湾是一个宗教信仰多元化的地方,共分为佛教,道教,基督教,摩门教,回教,一贯道教,统一教,印度教等,不仅尊崇传统信仰,也能敞开胸怀接受外来的宗教思想.
在传统宗教方面,主要有佛教,道教和民间信仰,但目前除了少数是纯粹的佛教寺院外,大部份都参杂道教色彩.道教是中国本土宗教,中国人因重具有高尚情操的人,所以常将他们神格化供奉在庙里祭拜,如关公就是一个典型的例子.道教於十七世纪传入台湾,在日据时期,因蕴含中国文化精神,受到日本迫害,信徒只好在佛教寺庙中奉祀道教的神.光复后,由於宗教观念宽大,佛教,道教合流,在一个神殿中,可同时供奉不同的神,而形成了台湾本土的特色.
Taiwan is highly diversified in terms of religious faith, with the practice of Buddhism, Daoism, Christianity, Mormonism, the Unification Church, Islam, and Hinduism, as well as native sects such as Yiguandao and others. The island not only respects traditional faiths but also opens its arms to other types of religious thought from the outside. For the most part, the traditional religions practiced in Taiwan are Buddhism, Daoism, and folk religions; except for a small number of purely Buddhist temples, however, most of the island's traditional places of worship combine all three traditions. Daoism is China's native religion, and many of its gods are deified persons who actually lived in the past and made important contributions to society. Guan Gong, the God of War, is a classic example of this; in history he was Guan Yu, a famous general of the Three Kingdoms period. Daoism came to Taiwan in the 17th century, but it was suppressed during the period of Japanese occupation (1895-1945) because of its embodiment of the spirit of Chinese culture. During those years the adherents of Daoism had to worship their gods surreptitiously in Buddhist temples, and after the island was restored to Chinese rule the convergence of these two religions continued. Today all sorts of different kinds of deities are worshipped in the same temple, forming one of the unique features of religion in Taiwan.
另外,值得一提的有儒家的孔子.孔子是中国最伟大的老师,他提倡礼仪,祭拜祖宗,所以西汉元帝替孔子设祠后,就接著有许多孔庙的建立,都是用来表达对孔子的敬仰.
在外来宗教方面,十七世纪初叶,天主教和基督教随著西班牙,荷兰势力,先后进入台湾传教,其中,早期在台湾发展的,除了天主教外,基督教长老教会也曾经扮演重要的历史角色.
近来各方宗教蓬勃发展,除了天主教,基督教外,还有回教,大同教,天理教…等,也都在台湾拥有一片空间.
Confucius is another important part of religious thinking in Taiwan. Confucius was China's most famous and beloved teacher, advocating the practice of rituals and the worship of ancestors. The Emperor Yuan of the Western Han Dynasty (207 B.C. - A.D. 24) built the first shrine dedicated to Confucius, and after that many more temples were constructed as a mark of respect to the Sage. External religions first arrived on the island in the early part of the 17th century, when Catholicism and Protestantism were introduced by Spanish and Dutch missionaries.
Presbyterianism is perhaps the Protestant branch of Christianity that has played the most prominent role in Taiwan's history.
2. 寺庙兴起 Temples rises
清朝统治台湾时,大陆漳,泉居民才大量渡海来台.当时台湾海峡风浪很大,所以移民们都携带神像,香火,香灰作为护身符,其中以妈祖神像最多,因为妈祖是海神,所以神常被安置在船上,以祈求她保护航海安全.
而在开垦初期,由於野地医药不发达,只要有疾病流行,就会造成许多人死亡,所以人们都信仰瘟疫之神「王爷」.王爷又称「千岁爷」,「府千岁」,有很多不同的姓氏,传说王爷可以去除疾病,所以人们相信他可以疪佑身体健康.到了后期,村落渐渐繁荣信徒就兴建各种寺庙,来感谢神的保佑所以妈祖和王爷也就成了台湾寺庙供奉神明的二大系统.在当时,寺庙不仅是居民的信仰中心,而且兼具教化,救济等功能.
3. 宗教艺术殿堂 Religious art hall
寺庙是精致的纪念建筑,是神明的殿堂,也是信徒的信仰中心.除了空间规划和形式格局有一套复杂的规矩外,还包含木雕,石雕,泥塑,陶艺,剪粘,彩绘,书法……等装饰,这些装饰不仅具有视觉上的美感,更反映出中国人趋吉避凶,祈望教化和自我表彰的人生观,充分展现出民间的丰富内涵和精神文明的宗教艺术.
4. 求神问卜 Ask the gods for an oracle
在台湾的庙里,经常会看到一些求神问卜的仪式.例如:信徒有所祈愿或想卜知好坏,就会在神佛面前点上一柱香,默念自已的姓名,生辰,住址和疑惑的事,用「掷筊」 (Toss the 筊Jiao)方式请求神佛指点.「筊」是一对以竹根或木做成的弯月形卜具,凸面为阴,平面为阳,把它们轻抛到地上,一阴一阳叫做「圣筊」,代表好现象;二阳叫做「笑筊」,表示不好不坏;二阴为「怒筊」,表示不好.
此外,还有一种是「抽签」(Draw lots),「签」是由竹片做成的长条形卜具,签上有一个号数.经过摇动后,可以抽取排在签筒中最高位的签,然后再掷筊请示神佛,若三次都是圣筊,就可依签号找出出签纸,得到指点,而且较大的寺庙中,也都有专人可解签中含义.
肆,族 群
Clan
一. 概况 General
台湾住民以汉人为最大族群,约占总人口98%,其他2%则包括分为十一族的台湾原住民及来自中国大陆的六十个少数民族.
The denizen of Taiwan regard the Han people as the biggest ethnicity, occupying the 98% in total population about, other 2%s then include to be divided into 11 aborigine of Taiwan of the clans and come from 60 national minorities of the Mainland China.
台湾的汉人大致分为早期之移民(通常被称为「台湾人」),以及民国三十八年随国民政府来台之移民(通常被称为「外省人」).所谓「台湾人」大约是台湾汉民族总人数的85%,其中客家人与闽南人的比例约为1:3;所谓「外省人」则占台湾汉民族总人数15%以下.
The Han people of Taiwan be divided into the emigrant (were usually called" Taiwan") of the earlier period mostly, and those who come to Taiwan with the national government in Year 38 of the Republic of China (were usually called" from another province") .So-called" Taiwanese" is about 85% of the total number in the 汉 race of Taiwan, among them the comparison of the Hakkanese and South Fukien person about 1: 3; So-called" people from another province" then occupies under the 15% in total number in the 汉 race of Taiwan.
台湾原住民共有泰雅族,赛夏族,布农族,邹族,邵族,排湾族,鲁凯族,卑南族,阿美族,雅美族,噶玛兰族等十一族.截至九十一年十二月,台湾原住民人口数为43万3,689人(平地原住民为203,197人,山地原住民为230,492人),其中又以阿美族人数最多,泰雅族次之,排湾族第三,雅美族最少.
The aborigine of Taiwan has the clan of 泰雅 , 赛夏 , 布农 , the clan of 邹 , the clan of 邵 , 排湾, the clan of 鲁凯 , 卑南, 阿美 , 雅美 , 噶玛兰...etc. 11 clans totally. Up to December of 91 years, The numbers of Taiwan aborigine population are 43 3,689.
现今,由於族群间彼此普遍通婚,族群差异随时间越来越淡,而且不论原住民或是先后来到的移民,都在台湾寻找一个新的认同身分,认同这块土地,把台湾当成永远的家,为台湾的发展贡献出力量.
At present, due to the ethnicity each other is widespread to relate by marriage, the ethnicity difference is at any time is thinner and thinner, and in spite of aborigine or the emigrant that arrive at successively, all look for a new approbation status in Taiwan, approve this piece of land, be contributed as lasting house, for the development of Taiwan lifts a hand to the quantity.
二. 客家人 The Hakka
1. 东方的犹太人 The Jews of Asia
「客家人」原本并不是指居住在某一特定地区的氏族,「客家」的「客」一词出现在宋朝制定户籍时,用来指由外地迁徙作客他乡的移民,以「客户」对照各地原住的「主户」.客家人的祖居大概在黄河流域一带,原是居住在中国北方的居民,其活动范围在今日山西,河南,湖北之间.后来因为逃难而南迁,辗转流离他乡,定居在江西,福建,广东各省,被当地的居民称为客人,於是就有了「客家人」的出现.
The term "Hakka" was not originally a designation for a certain ethnic group living in a particular area. When the term "Hakka" first appeared in household registries during the Song Dynasty, it was used to indicate "guests" who had left their homelands to settle down in other parts of the country, in contrast to residents originally from the area. Although evidence is sketchy, the Hakkas are thought to originate from the lands bordering the Huang River (Yellow River) or Shanxi, Henan, and Hubei Provinces of the Northern China of today. To escape calamity, they would later flee southward traveling through many lands. They eventually settled down in the Jiangxi, Fujian, and Guangdong Provinces. Referred to by locals as "Hakka" or "guests", the Hakkas appeared on the world stage for the first time.
历史上,客家人历经五次大迁移,因此有人用「东方的犹太人」来形容,以突显他们历经迁移,勇於开拓的性格.
The Hakkas took to the road in five separate major migrations. The nickname "Jews of Asia" intimates these mass migrations and their pioneering spirit.
2. 客家移民沧桑史 The Hakka Migrations Emigrant vicissitudes of life history
根据历史学者罗香林的研究,客家人从黄河流域的中原地区南迁,可分五个时期:
According to research by Luo Xiang Lin, five mass movements of Hakka took place as they trekked south from their original place of residence in the Central Plains in the Huang (Yellow) River Basin.
第一次大迁徙,在东晋永嘉年间.五胡乱华,国都由洛阳迁往南京,中原一带胡骑纵横,兵荒马乱,大批贵族名流及平民百姓纷纷往江南迁移.为了避难,客家祖先也纷纷南迁,渡过黄河,到达湖北安徽,河南南部,及江西一带.
The first Hakka displacement took place when China was in tumult as it was under attack by five tribes during the time of Qin Shi Huang. The capital at Luoyang was removed to Nanjing and large numbers of people, including aristocrats, the general populace, and the ancestors of the Hakka, fled south to escape catastrophe.
第二次大迁徙在唐末至宋,主要是受到黄巢之乱的影响,迫使客家先民迁移到安徽南部,江西东南部,福建西部与南部,广东东部东北边界等地区.
The second Hakka migration occurred at the end of the Tang and the beginning of the Song Dynasties. The major reason for the displacement was the , which drove the predecessors of the Hakkas to southern Anhui, southwestern Jiangxi, southern and western Fujian, and the border area of Guangdong.
第三次大迁移发生在南宋末到明代初年.蒙古人入主中原,宋室南渡,当时居住在江西南部,福建西部的客家人也随著迁移到广东东部和北部,并拥护宋朝王室,和蒙古军队对抗,牺牲壮烈.
The third Hakka migration came to pass around the end of the Northern Song and the beginning of the Ming Dynasties. The Mongolians took control of the Central Plains and the Royal Song Household fled south. The Hakkas that had previously settled down in southern Jiangxi and southern Fujian escorted the Song royal household as it fled to eastern and northern Guangdong Province. They fought bravely and many died courageously in battles with the Mongolian armies.
第四次大迁移在明末清初到乾嘉之际.受满人南下入主及内部人口膨胀等因素,由广东东部,北部及江西南部迁往广东中部及滨海地区,及四川,广西,湖南,台湾,且有一小部分迁到贵州南部及南部及西康的会理.
The fourth Hakka migration took place around the end of the Ming Dynasty up until the time of the Qianjia Reign at the beginning of the Qing Dynasty and was a result of factors including the swelling population and the Manchurian armies sweeping southward. They migrated from southern and northern Guangdong and southwestern Jiangxi to the central and coastal regions of Guangdong, as well as Sichuan, Guangxi, Hunan, and Taiwan. Smaller numbers headed to southern Guizhou and the
第五次大迁移,在清乾嘉以后,因受土客械斗及太平天国事件的影响,由广东中部的新兴,台山等地迁到广东西部的高,雷,钦,廉各州,远的到海南岛.
The fifth mass exodus occurred after the Qianjia Reign of the Qing Dynasty and was triggered by local skirmishes and the Taiping Rebellion. Hakkas left Xinxing and Taishan in central Guangdong for the prefectures of Gao, Lei, Qin, and Lian in Guangxi Province. Some fled as far away as Hainan Island.
3. 移民入台 Relocation to Taiwan
清代初期,居住在广东省的客家人,随著人口激增,为了争取更大的发展空间,纷纷迁居到四川,广西,湖南,贵州,海南岛,也有人来到台湾.客家人大批来台,大约在康熙二十二年(西元1683年)清军平定台湾以后,在此之前流寓台湾而无妻室产业者,多被遣回原籍,加以清廷接受施琅的建议,於康熙二十三年(西元1684年)颁布渡台禁令,严格限制潮州府,惠州府人渡台.但客家人迫於生计,冒险从梅州,汀州,漳州而来者仍多,遍布台湾各地,参与开发台湾的行列.
As a result of sharp population increases at the beginning of the Qing Dynasty, Hakkas living in Guangdong Province relocated en masse to Sichuan, Guangxi, Chaonan, Guizhou, Hainan Island, and Taiwan to find better lives for themselves. Many who had relocated to Taiwan before the Qing military conquered Taiwan around the 22nd year of the Kangxi Reign (1683) were sent back to their original places of residence. Furthermore, the government adopted a suggestion by Shi Liang to strictly forbid emigration to Taiwan by people from Chaozhou and Huizhou (1684)
Hakkas from Meizhou, Dingzhou, and Zhangzhou looking for a better way of life continued to stream into Taiwan. They took their positions next to other ethnic groups to develop Taiwan.
The Zhu Yigui Rebellion broke out in the 60th year of the Kangxi Reign (1721). The Hakkas residing in the area of Fengshan Mountain organized the Liudui Voluntary Army. It was very accomplished on the field of battle on the side of the Qing military as it quelled the insurrection. As a result, the restriction to emigrate to Taiwan was especially lifted and the Hakkas of Guangdong were permitted to relocate to Taiwan
4. 定居台湾 Residing in Taiwan
台湾的客家人祖先约在康熙,雍正,,乾隆三代陆续迁台,举家大小,带著所有的家当,定居台湾.
客家人分布在台湾,大致可分为两大区域.北部以桃园,新竹,苗栗为主要聚居地;南部则集中在高雄,屏东地区.前者一般称为「海陆客」;后者居住於屏东潮州一带则被称为「潮州客」.
The ancestors of Taiwan's Hakka population continued to flow into Taiwan. Far fewer Hakkas than Minnan Chinese immigrated to Taiwan leaving the Hakkas with no alternative but to develop infertile foothills and land at the foot of mountains. For the sake of their livelihoods, some Hakkas blended into Minnan society becoming known as Fujian Hakkas (). About 3 million of the 20 million people living in Taiwan speak Hakka and the majority of those live in farming villages. They are distributed in two main areas-in the North, they are concentrated in the Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Miaoli areas; in the South, they reside in the Kaohsiung and Pingtung areas. About 400,000 Hakkas live in the greater Taipei area. There are also many Hakkas living in Taichung, Changhua, Nantou, Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan, Yilan, Hualien, and Taitung.
5. 客语分布 The distributions of Hakka
台湾的客家人由於来源不同,客语本身的腔调也因地区而异.目前在台湾使用的客家语腔调,依据分布的状况,大致可分为四县腔,海陆腔,大埔腔,诏安腔等四种主要腔调,另外还有饶平腔,永定腔在部分地区使用.本教材基於网路教学目的,采用通行较广的四县话和海陆话,作为课文发音基础,并以台湾客语音标注音.
The ancestors of the Hakkas living in the various areas of Taiwan come from disparate regions in China. As a result, Hakka accents in Taiwan vary from area to area. They can be divided into four general accents according to the areas from which the predecessors of the speakers came-the Sixian (or Four Counties), Hailu, Dapu, and Shao-an accents. The Raoping and Yongding accents are also used in some areas. The Sixian accent, being the most widely used, is used for the teaching purposes of this website. These teaching materials use the Tongyong romanization system.
6. 客家精神 The Hakka spirit
(1) 刻苦耐劳 Hardworking and Perseverant
一代一代迁徙流转,现实的政治因素与自然的环境关系使得客家人必须不断的学著适应新的环境,即使再恶劣的状况他们都必须咬著牙捱过去,因此也养成了客家人刻苦耐劳的工作精神与勤奋朴实的个性.每一代他们都背负著客籍他乡的不确定性,又因屡居山区或荒野,不愿服输的个性坚守著家族的传统.
As a result of relocating generation after generation, the Hakkas learned to be hardworking, persevering, and unpretentious as they struggled for survival against an adverse environment. These virtues, for which the Hakka are known to this day, have enabled the Hakkas to set down roots and set up hearth and home very quickly in new environments.
(2) 勤勉创业 Conscientious in Their Undertakings
客家人远离家园,到外地开拓创业,仍保持勤奋的精神,因此成就的事业令人刮目相看,如在新加坡客家人主导政治核心.这种局面不得不归功客家女性的坚忍精神,她们勤俭持家,兼顾农事与家事,使客家男人无后顾之忧,只身赴外地开创事业,今日南洋一带客属族群的事业规模,就是最好的见证.
The Hakka are highly esteemed for the success of their undertakings as, even when they are far away from home, they maintain their industrious spirit. The Singaporean government, the core of power of which is Hakka directed, is a good example. Successes of this kind should be accredited to the Hakka women who are steadfast and persevering in the face of difficulties. They perform farm work while running very frugal households. Consequently, the men can set their minds to other tasks away from home. The impressive amount of large Hakka businesses all along the coast of Southern China illustrates this truth.
(3) 团结奋斗 Solidarity
迁徙的生活型态,使得客家族群团结一致,建立起强而有力的集体住宅,通常同一姓氏的宗亲聚居一起,有自己的祠堂,这种客家组织,对内谋求经济上的自给自足,对外共同抵御外敌,客家人同舟共济,休戚与共,具有鲜明的族群认同,因此,客家人向心力特别强.
Life on the road caused the Hakkas stick together, leading to very strong, close-knit communities. Clans with the same family name often settled down together sharing a collective ancestral hall. This solidarity has helped the Hakkas become self-reliant economically, while presenting a formidable deterrent to would-be aggressors. The Hakkas are a very cohesive group, going through thick and thin together and pulling together in times of diversity.
(4) 重视教育. Stress Education
一般客家的家庭里,数代同堂是很普遍的情形,在大家族中,子孙虽多,仍然非常重视小孩的教育问题.大家族中的教育经费,多由「公尝」支出,「公尝」是一族共有的财产,有来自海外客家亲友的捐助,或累积家族的遗产.过去客家人为赞助子弟赴京赶考,多捐出遗产供应族人使用,而有「公尝」这种公有财产,如今仍有不少旅居海外的客家侨胞,捐助家族中的教育经费.
Several generations of Hakka commonly live together under the same roof. Despite their tendency for large families, the Hakkas place a great deal of emphasis on education, the money for which is taken from common clan assets, including accumulated inheritance property and money sent back from relatives living abroad. In the past, common assets were set up as Hakkas donated money from inheritances to help the sons of relatives to take government tests. Many Hakkas living abroad continue to contribute to education funds for relatives.
7. 客家信仰
(1) 义民庙 Yimin Temple
义民崇拜 Yimin Worship
义民崇拜是台湾客家移民独特的信仰,在每年农历七月举办盛大的祭祀活动,七月间的「义民节」活动与中元节普渡一道举行,有时被混淆.不过和普渡「好兄弟」大不相同的是,义民指的是为保卫乡土而牺牲生命的先祖.以全省规模最大的新埔枋寮褒忠义民庙为例,其中供奉的便是林爽文,戴潮春之乱时,死於战争的客家先民.直到今日,住在义民庙附近的人家,仍有轮流向义民爷奉饭的习俗,其感戴崇敬之心,实非比寻常.
Worship is particular to the Hakkas of Taiwan. Every seventh month of the lunar calendar, they hold a grand ceremony. The Yimin Festival and are held together and are sometimes mixed together. A big distinction between the two, however, is that Yimin is held for those who have lost their lives in defense of their homeland. The biggest ceremony of this type in Taiwan is the one at the Martyrs' Temple in Liaobao, Hsinpufang. They commemorate the Hakkas that fell during the Ling Shuang
(2) 三山国王 The Three Mountain Kings
三山传说 The Legend of the Three Mountain Kings
三山国王是客家人的守护神.
The Three Mountain Kings are the guardian spirits of the Hakka
「三山国王」名称的由来,根据记载说,原本是广东潮州府揭阳县的三座名山,即独山,明山,巾山的镇山神,这种信仰来自古代对自然山岳崇拜的遗风.
According to records, the name Three Mountains is derived from the names of three famous mountains, the Du, Ming, and Ding Mountains, in Jieyang County, Chaozhou Prefecture, Guangdong Province. These beliefs are a relic of the nature and mountain worshiping traditions passed down from ancient times.
另有一种传说:宋朝末年潮州某一地方武夫陈有连集众叛变,声势浩大,潮州,汕头等地方完全被他控制.宋昺帝为了早日平乱,亲自御驾出征,却不幸败北,部将死伤大半.当叛军追赶官兵到了河边,眼看昺帝就快被擒,突然杀出三位将军将叛军击退,化险为夷,解救了昺帝.乱事平定之后,昺帝论功行赏,遍寻救驾的三将军却不知去向.后来经高人指点,才知道是三位山神爷显灵相救.因此下诏书建庙祭祀,表示感恩.
Another tradition has it that a man of prowess by the name of Chen You Lian led the people in a huge rebellion at the end of the Song Dynasty. Chaozhou and Shantou were brought completely under his control. To put down the revolt, Emperor Song Bing Di personally led his armies to war. Unfortunately, most of his army was wounded or killed. The rebel forces had Emperor Song Bing Di backed up to a river and it looked like he was ready to be captured. Suddenly, three generals routed the rebel armies, snatching victory out of their hands and saving the emperor. After the insurrection was put down, Emperor Song Bing Di wanted to commend the three generals for saving the day, but they were nowhere to be found. Later, it was pointed out to him that the three generals were actually three mountain spirits. The emperor ordered a temple to be built to show gratitude.
(3) 供奉神只 Offerings to Spirits
客家人崇拜的神只很多,除了三山国王,义民爷之外,常见的还有观音妈祖,伯公(土地公)等. 举凡家庭大事,如迁入新居,喜庆事,子女金榜题名,或逢年过节等都要祭天公和敬祖.
The Hakka worship many gods. In addition to the Three Mountain Kings and those fallen in battle, their gods include Matsu, and Bogong (local god). They worship the ruler of heaven and show their respect to their ancestors on all important occasions, such as moving home, weddings, children passing important examinations, and the New Years holiday.
天公神位安放在今日客家人的家中,每逢过节,或初一,十五时,客家人都会上香奉茶.过年时,在神位两侧贴上「巍巍乎天德」「浩浩然神功」的对联,来赞扬天之伟大.祭天公最隆重的仪式要算结婚前夕的一次.新郎在大婚前必须打著印有姓氏的大灯笼,旗子,锣鼓喧天去敬外祖,祭伯公(土地公).到了结婚前夕,於子时(夜晚十一时至一时)夜阑人静时,敬拜天公,求天保佑婚姻美满,一方面也藉此深省终身大事;结婚不止是两个人的事,更具有家庭与社会的责任.
The Hakkas offer incense and tea to the shrine to the ruler of heaven in their homes on the 1st and 15th of each lunar month and during the various holidays. During the lunar New Year holidays, they affix the couplets with the characters "魏魏乎天德" and "浩浩然神功" on either side of the shrine to praise the heavens for its glory. The most solemn rite dedicated to the ruler of heaven is the one held on the eve of weddings. On the night before his wedding, the groom carries a lantern, flag, and gong with his family surname written on them to show respect for ancestors and in the worship of Bogong (the local god). Between 11:00 and 1:00 on the night before the wedding, when everything is quiet, they worship the ruler of heaven and ask the heavens to bless their wedding. This is done to carry out this important occasion, as weddings are not only between two individuals; rather they are the responsibility of the families and society as a whole.
The Tribes of Taiwan
台湾原住民
一. 台湾原住民分布图
The distributing diagram of the aborigines (tribes)of Taiwan
游揆宣布布噶玛兰族为台湾原住民第十一族
日期 : 91.12.25
Story Type : 原住民
行政院长游锡堃今(二十五)日宣布,噶玛兰族为台湾原住民第十一族,他表示,噶玛兰族的认定是政府责任的开始,政府将提供资源,协助噶玛兰族重建文化,活络经济,提升教育并建立自治制度,他期盼原住民族因噶玛兰族的加入,使原住民的文化更加多采多姿,有声有色.
游院长今天在「噶玛兰族复名茶会」向噶玛兰族人道歉,他表示,噶玛兰族人在兰阳平原居住至少一千年以上,但因受到汉人欺压,被迫迁移到花莲,台东一带,受到很多委屈,今天国家把亏欠噶玛兰族人的名字还给他们.
游院长表示,政府对原住民族的正名与权益的照顾一向不遗余力,近两年多原住民运动已获得很大进展,这是政府与原住民族一起努力,双赢的成果.他指出,政府在「挑战二00八—国家发展重点计画」中,将更积极推动原住民新部落运动,营造原住民新部落风貌,培养原住民部落自发,自主的精神.未来政府各部门将更积极落实总统在「原住民族与台湾政府新的夥伴关系」文件及「台湾原住民政策白皮书」中,对原住民的各项承诺,具体保障原住民的权益,并充分尊重原住民族自主的尊严.
游院长说,民国八十年间,他办理后山噶玛兰人返乡寻根活动时,就曾邀请数百年前移居花莲的噶玛兰族后裔回到故乡,后来陆续推动噶玛兰族与教学,文化复振及传统祭仪,并建议内政部将噶玛兰族列为原住民族第十族.他接任行政院长之后,即要求原住民委员会积极处理噶玛兰族复名的工作.
游院长表示,噶玛兰族是泛称为平埔族中的一族,主要居住在宜兰,花莲及台东等地,自民国八十年起,噶玛兰族即屡次向政府要求列为原住民族.今年陈水扁总统前往花莲县参加噶玛兰族祭典时,亦承诺要让噶玛兰族成为原住民族.现在原民会已在最短时间内,完成相关资料的调查及主观意愿的徵询,让噶玛兰族获得应有的地位.
游院长强调,民国九十年八月八日,行政院核定邵族为原住民第十族,现将再度核定噶玛兰族为第十一族,从九族到十族,再从十族到十一族,一年增加一族,象徵宪法追求的多民族及多元文化共存共荣的理想已逐步实现,也代表台湾人民已逐渐找回对於这块土地的深厚感情,并尊重这块土地最早的主人.现在行政院正积极落实总统与原住民各族代表所签署的「原住民族与台湾政府新的夥伴关系」,推动「原住民新部落运动」,并建构原住民族法律体系,企盼藉由法律的保障及政府的协助,促成原住民族自主,多元,永续发展.
噶玛兰族目前人口估计约有二,三千人,原居住於宜兰一带,在清朝时即开始往南迁移,目前多居住在花东海岸沿线聚落,噶玛兰族语是一种独立的语言,至今依然保存,且该族已编有噶玛兰族语辞典及语法等教材,作为乡土教学之用.噶玛兰族不仅族群意识强烈,宗教信仰及文化祭仪也十分鲜明,至今仍保存许多其特殊的传统与信仰.(
太鲁阁族即将正名 成为台湾原住民第十二族
(中央社记者万淑彰台北二十六日电)继噶玛兰族后,太鲁阁族即将正式成为台湾原住民的第十二族.行政院长游锡堃今天将在花莲向太鲁阁族宣布这项好消息.
行政院发言人林佳龙今天上午表示,陈水扁总统在二000年宣示台湾政府与原住民新夥伴关系之后,行政院就持续推动原住民族各项权利的法制工程,同时也相当重视原住民族的正名运动.
近年来政府陆续承认邵族,噶玛兰族,打破数十年只认定九族原住民的原则.原住民委员会拟定「原住民民族别认定办法」之后,多年来被归为泰雅族的花莲太鲁阁族即提出正名申请,并在近日完成审查程序.
游揆上午巡视花莲噶玛兰部落,随后将转往秀林乡太鲁阁族集中地区,宣布这项好消息. 太鲁阁族向来被归为泰雅族,大致分布北起於花莲县和平溪,南迄红叶及太平溪这一广大的山麓地带,即花莲县秀林乡,万荣乡及少部份的卓溪乡立山,仑山等地.
未来经行政院院会通过后,太鲁阁族就将继阿美族,泰雅族,排湾族,布农族,卑南族,鲁凯族,邹族,赛夏族,雅美族,邵族,噶玛兰族之后,成为原住民的第十二族.
赛夏族
序言
赛夏族居住於新竹县与苗栗县交界的山区,人口约有七千多人.又分为南,北两大族群.北赛夏居住於新竹县五峰乡,南赛夏居住於苗栗县南庄乡.二年一次的矮灵祭是大家所熟知的祭典.
社会组织
南,北赛夏族各有头目一名,各家族的长老地位崇高.赛夏族的姓氏非常特殊,大抵以动物,植物,自然现象作为氏族的名号,如「风」姓代表风之子,「根」姓为树根之意,「夏」姓为锻鍊,训练之意.「蟹」姓指螃蟹,「日」姓指太阳,是射日英雄的后裔.「章」姓是以樟树为标志.
每一姓氏又负责主持不同的祭仪,矮灵祭以朱家为主祭.祈晴祭由夏,蟹两氏族主持.祈雨祭由
潘姓主持.敌首祭以豆家为主祭.
宗教信仰
除了超自然的信仰祭仪之外,以祖灵祭及祭祀矮灵的祭祀最重要.
服饰方面
男女均穿著长及小腿的无袖外敞衣,再加上无袖短上衣一件,色彩以红,白两色为主,其中外敞长衣多为祭典时穿著,在衣服的背面夹织精美的菱形纹饰,另外腕饰,足饰均以贝珠为材料,与泰雅族相同.
手工艺方面
除了织布以外,籐编的竹篓是一大特色,另外,赛夏族特有的肩旗Kirakil及臀铃Tabaasang也是重要的工艺制品,两者都使用於矮灵祭典期间.
十族简介
The Tribes of Taiwan
台湾原住民
The spirited hair dance performed by Yami woman.
Aborigines have adapted their housing to centuries of life on sub-tropical Taiwan.
Replicas of human skulls adorn an aborigine wall.
Evil spirits stay clear of this tribal art.
Island of Diversity
Before the Han Chinese immigration began in the mid-1600s, Taiwan was inha-bited by people belonging to the Austronesian race, the members of which lived in a vast area extending from Madagascar in the west to Hawaii and Easter Island in the east, and from New Zealand in the south to Taiwan in the north. Taiwan's aborigines are believed to have come from the Malay archipelago in different waves about 6,000 years ago at the earliest and less than 1,000 years ago at the latest. Since their languages are very different--more varied than those of the Philippines--some scholars suggest that Taiwan is the original homeland of all Austronesians. Archeological findings indicate that Taiwan had been inhabited by other people before the current aborigines came. However, little is known about them, particularly when and why they disappeared.
When the Han Chinese came to Taiwan, they divided, for convenience, the aborigines into Pingpu (plains) people and Kaoshan (mountain) people. They further subdivided the Pingpu people into 10 tribes and the Kaoshan people into nine. These labels are misnomers, for they don't reflect cultures and languages, or place of residence, properly. A tribe in one division often has more similarity with one in another division than with one in its own division, and three tribes of "mountain people" don't live in mountains at all.
The early Han Chinese immigrants were mostly bachelors, and many of them married Pingpu girls, which sped up the melding of the two ethnic groups. There is a Taiwanese saying that "We have mainland forefathers but no mainland foremothers." The Han Chinese totally overcame the Pingpu people and nearly killed their languages. However, many Pingpu phrases remain in Taiwanese. The word kanchiu (wife) is derived from the Siraya tongue of the Pingpu; and mangga , the old name of the Wanhua district of Taipei, is the language of Ketagalan, a Pingpu tribe that once lived there. None of Taiwan's aborigines had a written language. To study the Pingpu culture, one must rely on archeological finds, written records from Chinese, Japanese, Dutch and Spanish explorers and rulers, and remaining oral tradition.
The Nine Tribes
The Nine Tribes The nine tribes of the "mountain people" live in less accessible mountains, remote eastern Taiwan, and the offshore Orchid Island, where their culture and languages are relatively well preserved. Following are some of the distinctive historical traits of these nine remaining aborigine groups in Taiwan. Noted traits that were common to these groups included tattooing (except among the Yami and Bunun), pantheism, shamanism, and head-hunting (except among the Yami).
Atayal
The Atayal are distributed over a large area in northern Taiwan. Their language can be divided into the Atayal and Sediq branches and is not closely related to any other aborigine language. Atayal men are good hunters, and Atayal women good weavers. In the past, facial tattooing among men and women, for beauty and distinction and to ward off evil spirits, was a feature of this tribe. This practice has been outlawed since the Japanese occupation (1895-1945). Now only those Atayals over 80 years old still have tattoos on their faces.
The Atayal kinship system is patrilineal. Leaders of several religious groups of a community usually constitute the political authority. The prototypical Atayal house is either semi-subterranean or built at ground level, and is made of wood and thatch. There is a watch tower for each cluster of houses.
Saisiyat
The Saisiyat are the smallest of Taiwan's aboriginal tribes in terms of population and area. They are surrounded and strongly influenced by Hakkas and the Atayal, and were the first among the tribes to be acculturated by the Han Chinese and adopt Chinese names. Like that of the Atayal, tattooing was also a feature of the Saisiyat.
The Saisiyat are noted for a unique festival of theirs: the Ceremony of the Pygmies--pas-ta'ai. The legend has it that a group of pygmies once taught the Saisiyat to farm, sing, and dance, but also harassed and raped the Saisiyat women. The Saisiyat entrapped and massacred all the pygmies but two. As the two survivors were escaping to the east, they cursed the Saisiyat. To appease the souls of the pygmies, the pas-ta'ai is held once every two years at the tenth full moon of the lunar calendar, and a grand pas-ta'ai takes place once every 10 years. Like the Greeks observing Olympia, the Saisiyat forsake fights and quarrels during the pas-ta'ai.
Bunun
The Bunun live in the mountainous regions of central Taiwan. They are patrilineal, have strong family ties, and practice the extraction of certain front teeth as a sign of social identity as well as adulthood. The Bunun are good singers and often sing when working. Their harmonic skills are advanced and elegant, and they impressed the world with their "Millet Harvest Song" at an international ethnic music convention in 1953.
Tsou
The Tsou live on the west side of the middle section of the central mountain range. The "Northern Tsou" and "Southern Tsou" are distinct in language and custom. In the past two centuries, the Tsou's population has decreased dramatically due to the expansion of surrounding ethnic groups and also to various epidemics.
The typical Tsou house has rounded corners and a dome-shaped thatched roof which extends almost to the mud floor. The men's meeting huts, or kuba, serve as religious, political, and masculinity training centers. Enemy heads and a box of implements for igniting fires are kept there; women are not allowed in a kuba. The past significance of hunting among the Tsou is evident in their extensive use of leather in clothing.
Paiwan
The Paiwan live in the mountains of the southern end of Taiwan and are divided into the Raval and Butaul branches. They live on farming as well as hunting, animal husbandry, and creek fishing. They have a social system founded on land ownership, and their kinship is ambilineal. The Paiwan are noted for their wood and stone sculpture. The Butaul branch holds a major sacrificial rite every five years, called maleveq, to invite the spirits of their dead ancestors to come and bless the living.
Rukai woman in festive dress and action.
Master wood carvers earn the utmost respect in the Rukai community.
Rukai
The Rukai live in the southern part of the central mountain range. Their economic activities, social strata, and kinship are similar to those of the Paiwan, with the distinction that the Rukai practice primogeniture. Rukai houses are built of wood, bamboo, and thatch as well as stone slab. Some houses, including the roof, are built entirely of stone slabs. Rukai women are good cloth and basket weavers, and Rukai men are good wood carvers. Master wood carvers are highly respected in the tribe. The lily flower is comparable to the laurel worn by the heroes of ancient Greece; only very brave warriors and very chaste women, after being recognized by the chief, have the right to wear it.
Ami
The Ami, with a population of 123,000--the largest of all of Taiwan's aborigine tribes--are mainly plains dwellers, living in the valleys and coastal plains of eastern Taiwan. The Ami are divided into five groups based on geography, custom, and language.
The Ami began to use oxen in cultivating paddies relatively early. Fishing is an important part of their economy, but hunting is now solely recreational. In Ami society, kinship is matrilineal, but men's clubs are well organized. Ami villages are relatively large, each with a population of between 200 and more than 1,000. The Ami are the only aboriginal tribe on the island of Taiwan to practice the art of pottery making.
The Ami harvest festivals have evolved from warrior training. Nowadays sports, symbolic fishing in the open seas, and singing and dancing are observed throughout the villages in a series of celebrations in July and August.
Puyuma
The Puyuma live in the small Taitung plain and surrounding hills in southeast Taiwan. They are an agricultural people, supplementing their harvest with fishing and hunting. The Puyuma kinship system is ambilineal; while family inheritance goes to the eldest daughter, men and women share in kinship equally. The village is an independent political unit in Puyuma society, and feuding is common among villages. Young men's houses are centers for education, warrior training, and religious ceremonies. Teenage Puyuma boys used to receive spartan education at the men's house five months a year. The men's house also serves as the house of spirits, or karumaan. Each clan has its own karumaan.
Launching a freshly constructed boat is one of the most important occasions of Yami sea-going life.
Yami The Yami live on Orchid Island, or Lanyu, a small island lying in the Pacific Ocean 60 kilometers southeast of Taiwan. Evidence shows that the Yami reached Orchid Island less than a thousand years ago from the Batan islands in the Bashi Channel between Taiwan and Luzon.
Fishing is central to the Yami economy and is supplemented by farming. Men are responsible for building and fishing, women for farming. The Yami kinship system is basically patrilineal although they also observe matrilineal kinship rules in matters like marriage taboos and revenge. The prototypical Yami dwelling consists of a semi-subterranean house, a work house, and a rest pavilion. Pottery making is an outstanding feature of Yami culture. The first launching of a newly completed boat and the Flying Fish festival in the spring are the Yami's most important celebrations.
Taiwan's Aborigines Today
With tender care
Let us set in motion
our blood that is once again warm
Let us recall
our songs
our dances
our sacred rituals
And the tradition
of unselfish mutual coexistence
Between us and the earth
Paiwan Poet Monaneng
Head-hunting is long gone, tattooing is fading away, and pantheism and shamanism have largely given way to Christianity. Young people are leaving their traditional occupations and habitats and are taking up jobs in the cities. Aborigine languages are still spoken; but native speakers are dwindling in number and youngsters, who are more fluent in Mandarin or Taiwanese, have difficulty communicating with their elders. Some traditions are still maintained, like holding harvest festivals and wearing loincloths by men on Orchid Island; but new habits are forming, like watching TV and wearing western attire. Chiefs and other old-fashioned leaders are still respected, but elected representatives and officials have taken away much of their authority and functions. Remoteness and isolation of habitat have attenuated; intermarriage among the tribes and other ethnic groups is getting popular. According to the 1990 Taiwan census the island's total aborigine population amounted to under 340,000 individuals.
The once masters of Taiwan have now become a minority group on their own land. Like other minorities elsewhere, they deserve their fair share of the world. As Taiwan is undergoing rapid democratization and the emphasis on human rights is becoming more prevalent all over the world, Taiwan's aborigines are being more assertive on their well-being. They have become more aware of the need to preserve their culture and maintain their identity. Some are beginning to forsake their compulsory Han Chinese names and return to their traditional names; and, officially, they are now called aborigines instead of "mountain" people.
伍,岁时节令
Annual holidays and festivals
农历新年 Lunar New Year in Taiwan
为驱逐恶鬼与怪兽,人们喜欢在门上张贴门神的照片(照片提供:行政院文化建设委员会).(点选图片上之,可以看到较大的画面.)
To keep ghosts and monsters away, prints of Door Gods are pasted on the front of doors. (Courtesy of the Council for Culture Affairs
无论祖先来自何方,每个华人都把农历新年视为一年中最重要的节日.这个喜气洋洋的欢乐时刻,更是与家人,朋友团聚的好时光.
The Lunar New Year is the most significant festival for ethnic Chinese around the world, wherever they come from. It is a very jubilant occasion mainly because it is the time when people take a break from work to get together with family and friends.
农历新年的来源,有根据,且丰富而多采多姿的传说可追溯到几千年前;其中最有名的就是「年兽」的传说.「年兽」是一个残忍凶猛的野兽,古代人相信「年兽」在除夕夜时会出来吃人.传说「年兽」极惧怕红色,火光及吵杂的声音,人们就在门上贴著红纸条,并整夜点著火炬,燃放炮烛,来避开「年兽」.到了第二天一大早,「恭喜」之声不绝於耳,空气中弥漫著打败「年兽」胜利与重生的喜悦.
The origin of the Lunar New Year Festival can be traced back thousands of years, involving a series of colorful legends and traditions. One of the most famous legends is Nian 年, an extremely cruel and ferocious beast that the ancients believed would devour people on New Year's Eve. To keep Nian away, red-paper couplets are pasted on doors, torches are lit, and firecrackers are set off throughout the night, because Nian is said to fear the color red, the light of fire, and loud noises. Early the next morning, as feelings of triumph and renewal fill the air at successfully keeping Nian away for another year, the most popular greeting heard is gong si 恭喜, or "congratulations."
为确保好运连连,每道年菜都取个吉利的好名字.这道菜名为「五福临门」,象徵著长寿,财富,平安,智慧及好运.
To ensure good luck in the coming year, the Taiwanese always give every dish a special name. This dish is called the "Five Blessings for the New Year" and represents longevity, wealth, peace, wisdom, and righteousness.
虽然一般人认为新年的庆祝活动是从除夕当天开始;事实上,相关的活动早从农历十二月二十四日就陆续展开了.传说中的诸神在这一天会回天廷向玉皇大帝报告这一年来的诸事.因此,家家户户都忙著准备供品敬拜诸神,并烧纸钱以便提供诸神返回天廷的旅费.此外,还要在「灶神」的嘴巴四周涂上糖浆,以确保其向玉皇大帝报告时能多说些好话或是最起码保持沉默.
腊月二十四日送灶以后,过年的气氛一天比一天浓厚,家庭主妇开始在住家四周张贴写著吉祥话的「春联」.人们也喜欢把方形的春联贴倒,因为「倒」是「到」的同音异义字;因此,贴反的春联象徵著春天及财富的到来.
Even though Lunar New Year celebrations generally last for only several days, starting on New Year's Eve, the festival itself is actually about three weeks long. It begins on the twenty-fourth day of the twelfth lunar month, the day, it is believed, when various gods ascend to heaven to pay their respects and report on household affairs to the Jade Emperor, the supreme Taoist deity. According to tradition, households busily honor these gods by burning ritualistic paper money to provide for their traveling expenses. Another ritual is to smear malt sugar on the lips of the Kitchen God, one of the traveling deities, to ensure that he either submits a favorable report to the Jade Emperor or keeps silent.
Next, "spring couplets" are hung up around the house. Spring couplets are paper scrolls and squares inscribed with blessings and auspicious words, such as "good fortune," "wealth," "longevity," and "springtime." The paper squares are usually pasted upside down, because the Mandarin word for "upside down," dao, is a homonym of the word "arrival." Thus, the paper squares represent the "arrival" of spring and the "coming" of prosperous times.
传说发糕顶端的裂缝越开,来年的财富越多.
Tradition says that the wider the split in the top of the fa gao 发糕, which is a type of rice cake, the more prosperous the coming year will be.
长年居住在外的游子,会在除夕夜之前赶回家,以便与家人共进丰盛的年夜饭.这个时候,家人会把装满钱的红包送给家中的老人与小孩;也会全家人一起守岁来迎接新的一年.相传守岁可以为父母亲增寿,因此除夕夜通常都是彻夜不眠,灯火辉煌.而且,在古老的传说裏,整夜点灯尚有吓走年兽的用意.此外,有些家庭还会在午夜之后举行宗教上的特别仪式,最后则通常会放一长串的鞭炮来欢迎新年.
On Lunar New Year's Eve, family members who are no longer living at home make a special effort to return home for reunion and share in a sumptuous meal. At that time, family members hand out hong bao, or "lucky money" in red envelopes, to elders and children. They also try to stay up all night to welcome the New Year, as it was long believed that by doing so on New Year's Eve, their parents would live a longer life. Thus, lights are kept on the entire night--not just to drive away Nian, as in ancient times, but also as an excuse to make the most of the family get-together. In addition, some families even hold religious ceremonies after midnight to welcome
the God of the New Year into their homes, a ritual that is often concluded with a huge barrage of firecrackers.
对孩童而言,新年假期中最令人兴奋的事就是收到红包.
For children, the most exciting part of the holiday comes when they receive their hong bao 红包, red envelopes full of cash.
大年初一的第一件事是祭祀祖先,敬拜诸神,之后家中的年轻人必须跟长辈「拜年」.当天另一个重要活动,是穿上新衣走访亲朋好友,并祝贺「恭喜发财」;此时,也是一个和解的好时机,所有的新仇旧恨都必须在年节时分暂搁一边.而新年假期中另一个特殊景象就是舞龙舞狮,我国自古就视「龙」为吉祥的象徵,并深信龙掌管降雨,因此舞龙可以保佑来年风调雨顺,五谷丰登;此外,亦传说龙跟狮子的头可以驱逐邪魔.
The first order of business on Lunar New Year's Day is offering ritual homage to one's ancestors. Reverence is then paid to the gods, followed by younger family members paying their respects to their living elders. New clothes are worn, and visits are made to friends, neighbors, and relatives to exchange good wishes of gong si fa cai 恭喜发财, which means gong si fa cai 恭喜发财, which means "congratulations and prosperity." As an occasion for reconciliation, it's a time when old grudges are cast aside amidst an atmosphere of warmth and friendliness.
One of the most spectacular sights during the Lunar New Year Festival is the dragon and lion dance. The heads of these fearsome beasts are supposed to ward off evil, and the nimble movements of the dancers provide a grand spectacle enjoyable to everyone.
大年初二是出嫁女儿回娘家的日子.假如是新婚夫妇,丈夫必须伴随妻子返家送礼.根据一个有趣的传说,大年初三是「老鼠娶亲」的日子,入夜以后,家家户户必须早早熄灯就寝,以便让老鼠家族举行婚礼;此外,人们并在家中各处洒盐,米,称为「老鼠分钱」.
大年初四,所有的欢乐趋於平静.当天下午,家庭主妇准备祭品迎接灶神及他的随扈从天廷返回.灶神的归来象徵著自由的结束,生活的一切又要回到神明的监视下.因此,我国有句俗谚:「送神永远不会太早,迎神永远不会太迟.」
The second day of the Lunar New Year Festival is the day that married daughters return to their parents' home. If she is a newlywed, her husband must accompany her and bring gifts for her family. According to a charming legend, the third day of the Lunar New Year is the day when mice marry off their daughters. Thus, on that night, people are supposed to go to bed early so that the mice can perform their wedding ceremonies.
On the fourth day, the fervor begins to ebb. In the afternoon, people prepare offerings of food to welcome the return of the Kitchen God and his retinue from their trip to the Jade Emperor's court. The Kitchen God's return signifies the end of freedom from spiritual surveillance, hence the popular saying: "It's never too early to send off the gods, and never too late to invite them back."
过年之前街上总是挤满了购买年货的人潮.
Markets are bustling with people buying food for the Lunar New Year holidays
大年初五,新年的庆祝活动已接近尾声,大夥返回各自的工作岗位.供桌上的供品都被拿下来,生活也渐渐恢复正常.大年初九,是玉皇大帝的生日,所以人们会在庭院或寺庙的中央准备祭品为玉皇大帝庆生.
Day five almost brings the Lunar New Year festivities to a close. All offerings are removed from the altars and life returns to normal. Finally, on the ninth day, numerous offerings are set out in the forecourt or central courtyard of temples to celebrate the birthday of the Jade Emperor, who was believed to have been born immediately after midnight on the ninth day.
All offerings are removed from the altars and life returns to normal. Finally, on the ninth day, numerous offerings are set out in the forecourt or central courtyard of temples to celebrate the birthday of the Jade Emperor, who was believed to have been born immediately after midnight on the ninth day.
就如同其他的节日般,食物在春节期间亦扮演非常重要的角色;春节的饮食习俗除追求色香味俱全以便犒赏自己及家人,更重要的意义在於祈福并讨个好兆头.举例而言,在除夕夜的年夜饭中,鱼是不可或缺的重头戏,因为鱼象徵著「年年有余」;韭菜则代表「永久」;萝卜有「好运」的意思,而鱼丸及肉丸则代表「团圆」.此外,年糕意味著「步步高升」,水饺则因为形状像金元宝,春节吃水饺意味著为来年累积财富.
As in all such festivals, food plays an important role throughout the Lunar New Year Festival, and dinners tend to be especially lavish. Many of the dishes made at this time are served because they are regarded as symbols of good luck. For instance, fish (yu) represent "having enough to spare," garlic chives (jiou cai) stand for "everlasting," turnips (cai tou) mean "good omens," and fish balls (yu wan) and meat balls (rou wan) represent "reunion." Auspicious refreshments are also prepared at this time, such as glutinous rice flour pudding (nian-gao), which is said to make people "advance toward higher positions and prosperity step by step." People usually have dumplings (shuei jiao) too, which look like shoe-shaped gold and are supposed to help those who eat them to amass fortunes and wealth.
汉字的「鱼」,是「余」的同音异义字;所以新年假期中,鱼的吊饰非常受欢迎.
Because the Mandarin word for fish (yu) is also a homonym for "surplus," fish decorations are popular during the Lunar New Year Festival.
庙宇中挤满上香祈求平安及好运的民众.
During the Lunar New Year Festival, temples are crowded with worshippers burning incense and presenting offerings in prayer for fortune and happiness in the coming year.
然而,新年期间也并非可以毫无禁忌的欢乐.这段期间,有些迷信及禁忌仍深植於人们心中.例如:人们相信在大年初五前扫地,可能扫走屋内的好运与财富;此外,要尽量避免说不吉利的话或讨论与「死」有关的话题;如不小心打破碗碟,要尽快地说「岁岁平安」,以便及时化解凶灾;为祈求年年益寿,神坛上的香与蜡烛必须终日点亮;某些家庭禁用刀子与剪刀,因为这样才能避免家人在使用刀剪时不小心受伤.
The Lunar New Year Festival is not all freewheeling fun, however, and certain negative superstitions and taboos at this time have never quite lost their pervasive force. For example, people believe it is unlucky to sweep the floor during the first five days of the Lunar New Year, because one might accidentally sweep one's good luck and wealth out of the house. Bad language and talk of death are severely frowned upon. If a dish is broken, it is vital to say suei suei ping an 岁岁平安, which means "peace throughout the year," as quickly as possible. Joss sticks and altar candles must be kept burning day and night to encourage longevity; and in some households, knives and scissors are put away so that no one will accidentally cut the "thread of good luck" in the year to come.
舞龙舞狮在新年假期中是很重要的娱乐活动.
With its animated movement and brightly colored costumes, dragon and lion dancing stands out as one of the biggest events of the Lunar New Year Festival.
清代黄钺的「龢丰协象」描绘出家家户户在新年期间张贴春联的景象(照片提供:国立故宫博物院).
The painting Peace and Prosperity at the New Year by Huang Yue 黄钺 (Cing dynasty) depicts the festive atmosphere of writing and putting up spring couplets during the Lunar New Year Festival. (Courtesy of the National Palace Museum)
过年期间,台湾的大小庙宇都挤满上香祈求来年平安及好运的民众.有些庙宇在除夕的午夜时分会先关上大门;这时,门口聚集许多翘首引颈的民众.俟午夜十二点的钟声敲响,大门就会被蜂拥的民众推开,大夥争先恐后的挤进,以便让自己成为第一个将香插进香炉的人,因为传说拔得头筹的人可得到好运.
A few of these superstitions and rituals have a spiritual aspect to them, and all of Taiwan's temples are usually very busy during this time of year as large numbers of people crowd into them with elevated incense sticks to pray for good luck. Indeed, some of the major temples close their main gates before midnight on Lunar New Year's Eve as noisy and expectant crowds gather outside. At the stroke of midnight, the doors are thrown wide open and people surge forward in an attempt to be the first to place their incense sticks into the censer, as another long-standing tradition states that the first person to do so will be blessed with good luck throughout the coming year.
随著台湾社会的工业化,新年在人们心目中的魔力已逐渐淡去;但是,无论如何,春节活动在台湾社会仍占有无可比拟的重要地位.年节的前几天,街上的小贩就开始在街头上展售「春联」或其他应景商品.逛街采购也是年节期间最重要的活动之一.台北迪化街在过年前总是挤满购买年货的民众;百货公司则不断的播放祝贺新年的欢乐歌曲,以便吸引领了年终奖金的上班族光顾.
Although some of the Lunar New Year's magic has worn off in Taiwan because of the island's steady march toward industrialization, the festival and accompanying celebration are still unrivaled in importance. Long before the holiday, street vendors have already begun to seek out the best sites to display their "spring couplets." Shopping for Lunar New Year's fare also begins early and is still one of the holiday's most characteristic activities in Taiwan. For instance, Taipei's Dihua Street in an older part of town, which is renowned for its foodstuffs, often bustles with people buying groceries for the Lunar New Year Festival. Familiar songs and traditional music associated with Lunar New Year are broadcast through loudspeakers in department stores, many of which hold year-end sales to attract wage earners, whose pockets are weighted down by the traditional annual bonus that is always paid at this time of year.
除夕的前几天,远赴他乡工作及求学的游子开始计画著归乡的日期.为避免在返乡途中遇到塞车,人们通常会提前启程.运送返乡旅客的火车,巴士及飞机总是班班爆满.无论社会如何变迁,这个与家人团聚的观念,仍然在新年庆典活动中占著最重要的地位. 因此,无论旅程如何的劳累,一旦与家人团聚在桌前享用一年一度最重要的年夜饭时,所有的不便与辛劳都是值得的.
Thus, several days before Lunar New Year's Eve, people living far away from their families begin to prepare for their journey home. In an attempt to beat the traffic jams, many hit the road on the previous day. Those relying on public transportation will often camp out in sleeping bags at airports, train stations, and bus terminals to ensure that they get reservations for the dates they want, as tickets are usually snapped up the second they go on sale. Trains, buses, and planes are always packed.
No matter how grueling the journey may turn out to be, though, all of the inconveniences are considered to be worth it once the family has gathered around the table to eat their Lunar New Year's Eve dinner, the most important meal of the year. Indeed, no matter what changes may occur over time, the notion of getting together with the family will always lie at the heart of Lunar New Year celebrations.
二. 中秋节 Mid-autumn Festival The Moon Festiva
千里明月寄相思l
Watching the bright moonlight and feeling deep longing for their loved ones.
Always On the 15th Day of the 8th Month by the Chinese Lunar Calendar
The Moon Festival is a holiday in China. It's an occasion for family reunion. Chinese families like to get together to eat the moon cakes and watch the moon at the Moon Festival night.
一 轮 皎 洁 的 明 月 , 自 古 就 是 人 们 吟 咏 歌 颂 的 主 角 , 中 秋 节 的 月 亮 , 更 令 人 有 温 馨 的 感 受 . 相 传 中 秋 节 源 自 於 古 代 祭 祀 月 神 的 礼 仪 , 后 来 加 入 了 吃 月 饼 的 传 说 , 又 为 中 秋 节 增 添 了 民 族 意 识 .
中 秋 节 正 值 秋 收 时 节 , 台 湾 民 间 也 同 时 在 这 一 天 祭 拜 土 地 公 , 以 求 来 年 有 更 好 的 收 成 .
The clear and radiant moon has been a subject of Chinese poetry and song since ancient times. And the moonlight of Mid-Autumn Festival brings particular warmth and ease to the hearts of the people of China. This festival is said to have originated from the ancient ceremony of Sacrificing to the Moon Goddess. When that ceremony was later combined with the Legend of Eating Mooncakes, Mid-Autumn Festival grew in the popular consciousness to become the major occasion that it is today.
Since Mid-Autumn Festival coincides with the fall harvest, the occasion is also celebrated in Taiwan by making offerings to the Earth God Tu-ti Gong in hope that he will make the next year's harvest even more bountiful.
「 月 圆 人 团 圆 」 , 中 国 人 素 喜 以 月 圆 象 徵 人 团 圆 , 因 此 中 秋 节 也 是 团 圆 的 日 子 . 当 夜 全 家 一 同 到 各 地 风 景 名 胜 迎 风 赏 月 , 吃 著 月 饼 及 柚 子 , 祈 求 全 家 平 安 , 而 月 亮 在 「 嫦 娥 奔 月 」 , 「 吴 刚 伐 桂 」 及 「 玉 兔 捣 药 」 等 传 说 中 , 变 得 更 富 生 命 力 .
"When the moon is full, mankind is one" -- In China, the full moon has always represented the gatherings of friends and family. Thus, Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family reunions. On this night, families will go together to scenic spots and parks for moon appreciation parties, eating moon-cakes and pomeloes in the cool night air and praying for a safe year. This festival has been made even more lively by the three legends of Chang-O Flees to the Moon, Wu Kang Chops Down the Cassia Tree, and the Jade Rabbit Grinds Medicine.
中秋节的由来与传说之一:
The origin and the legend of the Mid-Autumn Festival
相传远古时,大地有十个太阳,当时个太阳一起升空,烤焦了所有庄稼草木,人们生活非常困苦.玉帝特别派后羿下凡救助百姓,后羿用弓箭射下九个太阳,还除掉大地上的毒蛇猛兽,人们才得安居乐业. 不料,被射落九个的太阳皆是天帝之子,天帝便十分恼怒地将后羿和妻子嫦娥贬入凡间.西王母很同情羿的遭遇,就把长生不老药送给他,但嫦娥起了私心,一个人偷偷吞服,身体竟轻飘上天.然而,嫦娥怕到天庭会受到众仙取笑,只好奔往月亮,成了广寒宫主--月神娘娘.嫦娥奔月的当天,据说就是八月十五日,於是后人便在每年的八月十五日祭月.
(1) 传说: The legend
嫦娥奔月 Chang-O Flees to the Moon
吴刚伐桂 Wu Kang Chops Down the Cassia Tree
相传吴刚在凡间本为樵夫,醉心於仙道,但始终不肯专心学习,因此天帝震怒,把他居留在月宫,并说:「如果你砍倒桂树,就可获仙术.」但吴刚每砍完一段时间,桂树便会自动愈合,日复一日,吴刚伐桂的愿望仍未达成,而他也不断的砍下去.
玉兔捣药
相传有三位神仙变成三个可怜的老人,向狐狸,猴子,兔子求食,狐狸与猴子都有食物可以济助,唯有兔子束手无策.后来兔子说:「你们吃我的肉吧!」就跃入烈火中,将自己烧熟,神仙大受感动,把兔子送到月宫内,成了玉兔 . 〈资料来源:行 政 院 新 闻 局〉
(2)习俗: Custom
吃月饼,柚子,祭祀月神,赏月,偷著葱,嫁好尪;偷著菜,嫁好婿,听香
吃月饼,柚子,月饼的由来,则是与朱元璋抗元有关.相传当时中原人不甘受蒙古人的统治,有志之士皆思起义抗元,当时朱元璋在八月十五日起义,刘伯温便想一计策,并在饼内及字条分赠同伴,裏面藏了纸条写著「八月十五夜起义」,於是民众纷纷响应,藉由吃月饼来通知起义,后来,流传下来,就成为中秋节吃月饼的习俗了!
柚子与「佑子」的谐音,含有吉祥之意,中秋节前后又适逢盛产期,柚子便成了中秋节的应节食物.
祭祀月神
拜月娘是一种简单的祭典,在月空下摆设香案,准备红烛,香炉,月饼,应时鲜果,由妇女主持拜祭之礼,家人朝月祝祷即可.一旦香火将尽,即退神彻案,祭礼完毕,全家就可以一起分食月饼了.
赏月
中秋节时值秋高气爽之际,又兼之明月当空,正适合到郊外进行赏月活动.中秋赏月由来已久,本为平日足不出户的妇女们最佳的社交机会,现代人则因长期生活紧张忙碌,恰可藉著中秋夜到山岭海滨,边仰望明月边与亲朋好友促膝畅谈,松弛心情.
偷著葱,嫁好尪;偷著菜,嫁好婿
民间相传,中秋夜愈晚睡愈长寿.少女在这天夜里晚睡,则可使她的母亲长寿.未婚的少女还有在中秋夜偷菜的习俗.只要偷得别人的菜圃中的蔬菜,就表示她将会遇到一个如意郎君.有句俗语「偷著葱,嫁好尪;偷著菜,嫁好婿」指的就是这项习俗.
听香
连横的《台湾通史》(一九一八)卷二三记载:「八月十五日,谓之中秋.夜深时,妇女听香,以卜休咎」.听香的方法是先在家中的神像前烧香,表达所欲问卜的事项,请示过出门的方向后,便持香出门.以路上所听到神明认可的答案为止.台湾的小孩在中秋夜也有一种游戏,在碗里装满白米,插上筷子,口中唱著:「观箸神,观箸儿,请你上厅吃白米饭,配鸡脚腿.」并烧纸钱.据说,这样碗筷就能自动回转.
米粉芋
拜月时也供拜「米粉芋」,有俗语说:「吃米粉芋,有好头路」.取芋,路的谐音来祈求祖先保佑自己找到好的工作.
各地也配合当地特产,发展出具地方特色的节日食俗.
高雄县饲养水鸭的风气很盛.中秋节前后正是水鸭公初长最嫩的时候.因此美浓地区的客家人往往於中秋节宰食水鸭公加菜,成为当地中秋的特色.
宜兰地区中秋节除了吃月饼外,还吃一种「菜饼」.菜饼以面粉为材料,中间抹上黑糖熿焙而成.
南部地区也有在中秋节吃麻糬的习俗.
近年来,台湾的中秋节又发展出一种新的活动——烤肉.
2. 中秋节的由来与传说之二:
The origin and the legend of the Mid-Autumn Festival
(1) 由来与传说 --------------------------------
The origin and the legend
农历八月十五日,是中国传统的中秋节.古人将一年分成春夏秋冬四季,而一季又分为孟,仲,季三月,八月是仲秋之月,而十五又是这个月中间的一天,正处在秋季的正中,所以把八月十五称为「中秋」或「仲秋」.中秋夜,月亮最圆,月色最美,因此人们把月圆看成是团圆的象徵,同时也称八月十五为「团圆节」.中秋节也称为「秋节」,因为它是秋季最大的节日而又处於秋之中的缘故.另外,中秋节在北市也称为「果子节」(中秋节适逢各种瓜果成熟上市且又有以瓜果馈赠的习俗).
中秋节从民俗的关点来看,它是起源於古代「祭月」的风俗.远在太古时代,人们对一切自然界的事物都有敬畏的心理,把日,月,山,川,雨,电,甚至兽,树等,都奉为神灵加以膜拜,而月亮在人们心中的地位仅次於太阳,自然也成为重要的祭拜对象.周礼中就记载:周天子在每年中春的白天,在国都的东郊举行隆重的仪式祭日;在中秋之业夜在国都西郊祭月迎寒.
就天文学的关点来说,中秋节是太阳经过秋分点最接近的一个满月日,此时太阳光线垂直照射在赤道上,南北半球昼夜刚好平分,月量在黄昏时刻出现,云雾稀少,秋高气爽,最适合欣赏,所以把这一天定为祭月的日子.
另有一种说法,认为「中秋节」起源於古代的「秋报」祀土地神.我国以农立国,因此对土地的收成十分重视,因此在播种的时候,常祭祀土地神,祈求丰收,称为「春祈」,而在收成时,也祭祀土地神,答谢神的庇护,称为「秋报」.八月十五是稻子成熟的季节,这一天大家拜的也是土地公,所以「中秋节」可能是古代「秋报」的遗俗,再加上后人附会祭月,赏月的习俗而逐渐流传下来的.
中秋正式成为岁时节日,在礼记与史记中就有提及.秦汉的时候,中秋节还举行敬老活动,官府向老人赐予坐凳,手杖和用蒸熟黏米饭做的圆饼.而晋代时就有赏月的风俗,不过一直要到唐代,唐太宗正式把八月十五定为中秋节后,中秋节才真正成为民间的重要节日.
中秋节之所以会成为中国的传统佳节,与中国古代关於月亮的种种美丽的神话传说有很大的关系(因此中秋节也称为月夕,月节),其中最著名的就是「嫦娥奔月」,它最早记载於淮南子这本书中,故事是说:夏朝太康的时候,有一个名叫后羿精於射箭的勇士,后来变成了一个暴君,嫦娥是他的妻子.后羿为了长生不老,便特地向西王母求取不死之药,他把药带回去告诉嫦娥,不料嫦娥却把药偷吃了,飘飘然飞到月宫里去了.嫦娥奔月的神话传说,是我们的祖先在缺乏科学知识的情形下,对月亮中的阴影所产生的丰富想像,反映了中国古代人民探究月亮奥秘的强烈欲望,把!奔月的故事和中秋节联想在一起,给节日增添了浪漫的色彩.
月宫泛指月亮,狭义则指月中的宫殿.相传月亮中不但有宫殿,还有人物(嫦娥及吴刚),树木(桂树)及动物(金蟾与玉兔);从汉晋以来,还有月宫伐桂之说.在唐代的《酉阳杂俎》书中,就记载了「吴刚伐桂」的故事:吴刚是西河的人,曾去学做神仙,因为懒惰,玉帝惩罚他到月里去剖柴.相传那棵大桂树,他挥斧头用力去砍,但是斧头砍入树身,一拔出来,伤口马上就愈合,根本无法损它一丝一毫,因此不能回去覆命,他不得不留在月里不眠不休的砍那棵大桂树;人们又称月亮为桂月,桂轮,称月宫为桂窟,桂宫,并比喻科举考中为月中折桂或蟾宫折桂,并演化出赏桂,饮桂花酒的习俗(只有在有桂树的地方才赏桂).
(2)中秋节的习俗:
The customs of the Mid-Autumn Festival
(2.1) 拜土地公,拜公妈:
Making offerings to the Earth God Tu-ti Gong
农历八月十五,是古代「秋报」祭土地神的日子.在当天下午四,五点的时候,准备牲礼,月饼,「米粉芋」(芋头炒米粉),寿金,刈金,土地公金,鞭炮等,祭拜土地公,感谢神明的保佑,才有丰富的收成.祭品中之所以用「米粉芋」,是因为有句俗谚说:「吃米粉芋,有好头路(工作)」,祈求神明保佑能得到一份好的职业.乡下地方,还要在田地上竖立「土地公杖(用一根竹枝系上土地公金)」,感谢土地;祭毕「土地公」,有的人家接著「拜公妈」,就将拜土地公的牲礼煮成「菜碗」当祭品,仪式和祭拜土地公时大略相同.
(2.2) 祭月(拜月娘),赏月:
Making offerings to the moon,
Watching the bright moonlight and feel deep longing for their loved ones.
祭月早在秦汉以前就有了,当时主要在宫廷内进行.后来历代的帝王都沿袭这个仪式,每逢中秋节,必举行隆重的祭月仪式,现存北京的月坛,便是专门用於皇帝祭月的场所.八月十五相传是太阴娘娘月神的诞辰.在当天晚上,都会在屋外庭院摆设香案,案上放置香炉,烛台,燃烛焚香,用柚子,西瓜,月饼来敬奉月神,并且由妇女儿童负责祭拜(男子不是后拜,就是不拜)祭拜结束后,一起喝「团圆酒」,吃「赏月饭」,尝「团圆饼(即月饼)」.而这天回娘家探亲的妇女,必须返回婆家团圆,民间有「宁留女一秋,不许过中秋」的俗谚,就反映了这个习俗.
祭月的习俗之所以在唐代以后迅速流行於民间,与唐明皇游月宫的传说有很密切的关系.《唐逸史》记载:鄂州人罗公远,俟候唐明皇在中秋夜赏月.看著唐玄宗目不转睛的一直望著明月,便邀请玄宗去游月宫.他取出一根拐子向著空中掷去,突然化为一条银色的大桥,他请玄宗一同上了大桥,差不多走了数十里远,觉得精光夺目,寒气逼人,才发现到达一座大宫殿前.罗公远说:这就是月宫了!玄宗见到有数百个仙女穿著素练宽衣,在广大的宫廷中跳舞,歌声嘹亮,音韵非常优美,便问说:「这是什麼曲子 」罗公远回答说:「就叫霓裳羽衣曲」.玄宗牢牢记住那曲子的声调,回到宫中,立即命人依照他所记的声调,编成了一支「霓裳羽衣曲」.
赏月之俗由来已久,早在一千多年前的晋代就有了,到唐宋时才开始盛行.唐代许多诗人寄情於明月,写了很多脍炙人口的咏月诗;宋代亦不遑多让,最为世人所传颂的无非是苏东坡所写的「水调歌头」了:
Su Shi Poetry 苏轼 水调歌头
[Su DongPo]
明月几时有 把酒问青天.
不知天上宫阙,今夕是何年
我欲乘风归去,又恐琼楼玉宇,高处不胜寒.
起舞弄清影,何似在人间!
转朱阁,低绮户,照无眠.
不应有恨,何事常向别时圆
人有悲欢离合,月有阴晴圆缺,此事古难全.
但愿人长久,千里共婵娟.
Will a moon so bright ever arise again
Drink a cupful of wine and ask of the sky.
I don't know where the palace gate of heaven is,
Or even the year in which tonight slips by.
I want to return riding the whirl-wind! But I
Feel afraid that this heaven of jasper and jade
Lets in the cold, its palaces rear so high.
I shall get up and dance with my own shadow.
Fro Round the red pavilion
Slanting through the lattices
Onto every wakeful eye,
Moon, why should you bear a grudge, O why
Insist in time of separation so the fill the sky
Men know joy and sorrow, parting and reunion;
The moon lacks luster, brightly shines; is al, is less.
Perfection was never easily come by.
Though miles apart, could men but live for ever
Dreaming they shared this moonlight endlessly! m life endured among men how far a cry!
现今虽然因为太空人登上月球,神话传说已经破灭,很少人家会再拜月娘了.大家反而都趁著天清气爽的时候,到野外踏青,欣赏明月,男女老幼,结伴出游了.
(2.3) 吃月饼,柚子:
Eat the moon cake, pomelo
月饼的演进历史可以从周代算起,到了汉代已有蒸饼,胡饼,汤饼等点心;到宋代已经有月饼的记载,但是月饼成为正式的应节食品,则始於明代,当时人们已经有用月饼相互馈赠的习俗了.民间传说月饼的起源是来自於元末明初的抗元故事:
蒙古人统治中国后,实行残酷的民族压迫.为了防止汉人联合起来反抗,凡是汉人百姓家所有的金属器具一律没收,十个家庭只准合用一把菜刀,而且还派驻一个蒙古的爪牙负责监视汉人的一举一动,胡做非为,鱼肉百姓,汉人十分痛恨他们,称他们为「家鞑子」.元朝末年,全国各地闹饥荒,人民颠沛流离失所,於是便有许多有志之世起义,推翻蒙古的统治.有一年中秋节,泰州的张士诚暗中串联,把写有「杀鞑子,灭元朝,八月十五家家齐动手」的纸条藏在圆饼里,送到各户人家,约定中秋节起义.到了中秋节那天,大家一起动手,杀死了「家鞑子」,揭开了起义的序幕,终於推翻了元朝的统治.人们为了纪念这次的起义,每逢中秋节就制作月饼,互相馈赠,相沿成袭.
在我国,由於各地月饼用料,调味,形状等的差别的形成了不同的风格的品种,诸如京式,苏式,广式等.饼馅更是种类繁多,甜,咸,荤,素各有特色,而且色香味俱佳.尽管地区风格各异,但不外提浆,酥皮,硬皮三大类:1.提浆月饼,又名浆皮月饼.熬糖浆调入面团做月饼皮,包咸肉,甜肉,火腿,枣泥,豆沙,莲茸等,饼面印各色花纹,广式月饼即此类2.酥皮月饼,将面粉,饴糖,猪油用热水搅拌做皮,有百果,豆沙,火腿等馅,苏式月饼属此类3.硬皮月饼,用白糖,饴糖,香油加上小苏打和面做皮,冰糖,白糖,香油,桂花,瓜子仁,核桃仁等搅拌为馅,北京自来红即是.现在,月饼依然是群众最喜爱的节日食品,而且质量更高,花色品种更加丰富多采.
柚子是台湾中秋的名产.俗信以为吃柚子可以使眼睛明亮;女孩用柚皮擦脸,可以使皮肤细润.而柚子的「柚」和庇佑的「佑」同音,更使人喜欢它,大家都希望用它来祭拜,可以得到神明的庇佑.
Pomelo Fruit
(2.4)其他活动:
Other activities
「降神」是中秋夜一个有趣的活动,经过咒语和仪式可使所降的神显灵,包括桌神,月姑,八仙,篮神(是一个女神)等:「玩兔儿爷」是小孩游玩的中秋玩具,大约高三尺,最小的只有三寸大小,材料是黏土和纸浆,左手托著小臼,右手拿个小杵,背上插了纸伞或小旗,座骑有狮,虎,鹿,骆驼或坐在莲花宝座上;「听香」是古代流传台湾地区的中秋习俗,是由妇女在家中供奉的神像前焚香祷告,表明心中所想卜测的事(如感情,财富等),在请示了出门以后应行的方向后,就拈香出门,凡是在路上所听到的一切谈话,歌唱等,均可以就此卜测所问的事,然后以杯茭问神答案是否如此,如答不是,则继续前行,直到获得神明的指示的答案为止;未婚的少女也有在中秋夜偷别人菜园中的蔬菜或葱的习俗,若是成功就表示她将得到美好的爱情.
陆,民间信仰Folk Beliefs
台湾四面环海,妈祖是奉祀最盛的神只
虔诚膜拜,求祈平安.
Temple goers offer prayers for peace and security. (Photo by Pu Hua-chi)
多种神明的崇拜和一年四季中各式的岁时节俗,是台湾民间信仰的主要内容;民众藉以在日常生活中营造乐趣,在团体归属的本能需求上联谊亲友,更在类似宗教信仰中纾解心理的疑惑或困苦.
Taiwan folk beliefs have their roots in polytheism and various seasonal customs and festivals. Through these customs and festivals, the people of Taiwan are able to add enjoyment to their daily lives, maintain cultural identity with friends and relatives, and remove doubts or ease difficulties through religious rituals.
海之女神-妈祖,和瘟疫之神-王爷,是台湾最普遍的神明崇拜,这和早期汉人移民因渡海不易及水土不适而多死难有关.其他民间信仰中的神明,大抵和世界各地相彷,出自敬畏自然的有玉
皇 大帝,王母娘娘,雷,电,风,雨,山,河,田,井,桥……等诸神;亦有出自祖先崇拜,如年节祭祖和清明扫墓;其他或为祈求文教或为敬仰忠义,如台南七星娘娘庙在七夕的「做十六岁」成年礼.这些神明崇拜,除有特定的祭祀日子,大抵皆融入全年中的岁时节俗活动.春秋两季诞生或是庆典中的神明,大多是慈祥可亲;炎炎夏月中诞生的神明,脾气则较为火爆或阴森骇人.
Many early Han immigrants lost their lives on the perilous voyage across the Taiwan Strait or in the difficult conditions on the island. For this reason, Ma Zu 妈祖, Goddess of the Sea, and Wang Ye 王爷, God of Pestilence, became the two most worshipped deities in Taiwan. As in other parts of the world, such deities as the Heavenly Jade Emperor 玉皇大帝; Wang Mu Niang Niang 王母娘娘, the "Queen Mother of the West"; and lesser gods, representing thunder, lightning, wind, rain, mountains, rivers, farmlands, wells, and bridges, are also worshipped out of a combination of fear and reverence for nature. Taiwan folk beliefs also include the veneration of one's ancestors, especially during the Lunar New Year and on Tomb-Sweeping Day.
Some deities in Taiwan are worshipped for special blessings or for cultural purposes. For instance, coming-of-age ritual held on the seventh night of the seventh lunar month at the Ci Sing Niang Niang 七星娘娘 Temple in Tainan is performed only for teenagers who have reached 16 years of age. Other gods are revered for loyalty and justice.
However, with the exception of several special days set aside for specific ceremonies and rituals, the worship of deities is often directly integrated into seasonal customs and festivals. Gods and goddesses associated with spring and autumn are usually kind and benevolent, while those connected to the scorching heat of summer tend to have violent tempers and are often gruesome and frightening.
岁,代表一年的结束及开始.时,指春夏秋冬四季.八节指二十四节气中八个气候明显变化的阶段:立春,春分,立夏,夏至,立秋,秋分,立冬及冬至.俗,指的是杂俗,也就是无法排入岁,时,节之中的重要活动.
Suei 岁, or year, represents the beginning and end of one year, while shih 时, or time, represents the four seasons. Ba jie 八节, or eight festivals, refers to the eight stages of distinct climatic changes that take place within the 24 divisions of one solar year. Those eight stages are: the Beginning of Spring, the Spring Equinox, the Beginning of Summer, the Summer Solstice, the Beginning of Autumn, the Autumnal Equinox, the Beginning of Winter, and the Winter Solstice. Su 俗 refers to the miscellaneous customs and other important activities that cannot be classified under the categories of suei, shih, or jie.
台南县 水镇元宵节放蜂炮,声势惊人.
Bottle rockets set off in Tainan County's Yanshuei Township during the Lantern Festival create an impressive display of sound and action. (Photo by Chang Su-ching
妈祖遶境,信众手持进香旗祈福.
A flag adorned with prayer charms is carried by followers of Ma Zu during an annual procession around the island.
台北县平溪乡元宵节放天灯,景象瑰丽.
Sky lanterns released during the Lantern Festival float gently upward above Pingsi Rural Township in Taipei County. (Photo by Tsuh Tse-juang)
虽然台湾社会几乎已经完全现代化,各种地方性的民间信仰相关活动,仍然散见各地,有些活动更加发扬为年度的文化祭典.传统社会最重要的信仰和活动就是过年,新年期间各种祭祖拜神的礼俗都有为自己或别人祈褔的意思.传统的新年是过了元宵才结束.元宵时分,各地都有炸寒单爷,炸轿或炸土地公的习俗;商家通常在店门口用鞭炮炸这些财神以祈求来年能发财.至今已有一百九十余年历史的台南县盐水镇元宵蜂炮,虽然不是炸土地公,但也是个具有相同意义的民俗活动. 元宵祈子的风俗,最主要的象徵莫过於「灯」,因为「灯」和「男丁」同音.此外,以当年生肖动物为主题,高立於中正纪念堂大广场,辅以雷射光照射的巨型电动花灯,近年来已成为台北的新春重要活动.
Even in modern Taiwan, various traditional religious activities are still readily apparent. Indeed, a few of these activities have even become annual cultural ceremonies. The most important activity in traditional Taiwanese society is the celebration of the Lunar New Year. During this holiday, every ritual and custom used to worship various spirits holds a special meaning. Traditionally, Lunar New Year festivities last until the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first month of the lunar calendar.
On the day of the Lantern Festival, the people customarily set off firecrackers in front of an image of either Han Dan 寒单, one of the Gods of Wealth; a palanquin, used to transport deities; or the Earth God. Merchants, in particular, perform this custom in front of their stores to bring good fortune to their businesses. The practice of setting off large quantities of firecrackers in Tainan County's Yanshuei Township during the Lantern Festival has a history of more than 190 years. Although the custom is not related to the worship of the Earth God, the activity still has similar meaning for the people of the area.
Another important custom during the Lantern Festival is the ritual of praying for a son. This tradition comes from the fact that in the Taiwanese dialect the words for "lantern" and "boy" are homophones.
In recent years, another important annual event has become popular in Taipei during the Lunar New Year and Lantern Festival holidays. At the main plaza of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a massive animal lantern, corresponding to the Chinese Zodiac animal of the year, is constructed and decorated with many lights and illuminated with laser beams.
地处北回归线的台湾海岛,炎夏时期气候潮湿闷热,使得早期汉人移民饱受疾病的侵扰,因此特别想像并设计出许多驱瘟祛疫的风俗或仪式.南台湾春秋两季「烧王船」的祭典,就是「奉请瘟神疫鬼离境出海」的意思.
Since Taiwan is hot and humid in the summer, the early Chinese immigrants were plagued by many diseases, leading them to devise numerous rites and ceremonies to prevent epidemics. One traditional ritual to drive away the God of Pestilence is the burning of Wang Ye's boat, an event held in the spring and autumn in southern Taiwan.
端午节也是入暑前的重要活动,饮雄黄酒,插菖蒲,艾草都是为了避瘴疠之气.端午节包粽子和赛龙舟原是中国东南百越民族的民俗;滨临大河或海港的城镇每年都会大张旗鼓举办龙舟竞赛,台北基隆河上还能看到外籍船队共襄盛举.基隆放水灯以普渡水中孤魂,相传已有一百四十五年,是酷暑中北台湾规模最大,最具代表性的中元祭典.
Similar activities are held during the Dragon Boat Festival, which marks the arrival of summer. On this day, people drink syong huang 雄黄 wine (a liquor containing a small amount of realgar) and adorn their doors with moxa and calami branches to drive away pestilence. They also wrap glutinous rice in bamboo leaves (zong zih 粽子) and hold dragon boat races. In the past, dragon boat races were held annually with great fanfare in every major port and riverside city. This tradition is still very strong today, and the dragon boat races held on Taipei's Keelung River even attract foreign teams.
Another traditional event in the summer is the Ghost Festival, which has been the largest and most representative ceremony in Keelung City for 145 years.
宜兰县头城镇中元节的抢孤祭典,普祭孤魂野鬼.
The ciang gu ceremony held at Toucheng Township during the Ghost Festival presents offerings to wandering spirits.
传统的中元旧习中,宜兰头城,屏东恒春则 盛行「抢孤」活动.不论是哪一项活动,台湾人民普祭孤魂野鬼的虔诚心意丝毫未变. 秋天要报答天地诸神宽厚赐予一年的丰收,最重要的代表是土地公和大树公.人们尊重土地和树木,於今看来就是生态环境保护的表徵.冬季的尾牙是一年例行祭日的最后一次,也是一年之中最能代表圆满结束的日子;全家聚集吃润饼,公司行号更要宴请员工客户,感谢大家过去一年的努力,希望来年大家仍能同心协力.
In Ilan County's Toucheng and Pingtung County's Hengchun, the Ghost Festival celebrations include a traditional pole-climbing event called ciang gu 抢孤. Regardless of which activity is practiced, the people of Taiwan are sincere in their desire to deliver these wandering spirits.
When autumn arrives, votive offerings are made to the deities, particularly the Earth God and the Tree God for providing rich harvests for the year. Some have likened the respect shown to these gods to a concern for the ecology and environment.
As winter sets in, the wei ya 尾牙 brings a perfect end to the year. Families gather together to eat run bing 润饼, which consists of finely chopped vegetables and shredded meat wrapped in a thin piece of pastry. Employers also treat employees to a wei ya feast, thanking them for their hard work during the past and encouraging them to continue their efforts in the coming year.
台湾民间信仰的光明面,反应人类对於天,地,人之间和谐相处的愿望,共存共荣的观念;反应出忠,孝,节,义等等社会伦理精神的敬仰;这些观念与智慧,也是人类得以在地球上存活的最大资源.
Folk beliefs in Taiwan are a positive reflection of the people's wish for harmonious interaction, coexistence, and co-prosperity among heaven, earth, and mankind. They also reflect Taiwan's reverence for the basic social virtues of loyalty, piety, fidelity, and justice. These ideas are the most valuable assets enabling people to live on this earth.
执筊求神问卜.
A pair of rounded bamboo blocks is cast to the ground to divine instructions from the gods.
丰盛的供品,展现人们信仰的虔诚.
Abundant offerings attest to the devotion of the faithful in Taiwan. (Photo by Huang Chung-hsin)
威严的门神守护家宅平安.
The imposing countenance of a door god guards the security of local households.
基隆中元节放水灯超渡海上亡魂.
In Keelung, water lanterns are released during the Ghost Festival for the spirits of those lost at sea.
台南县 水镇元宵节放蜂炮,声势惊人.
Bottle rockets set off in Tainan County's Yanshuei Township during the Lantern Festival create an impressive display of sound and action. (Photo by Chang Su-ching)
台北县平溪乡元宵节放天灯,景象瑰丽.
Sky lanterns released during the Lantern Festival float gently upward above Pingsi Rural Township in Taipei County. (Photo by Tsuh Tse-juang)
妈祖遶境,信众手持进香旗祈福.
A flag adorned with prayer charms is carried by followers of Ma Zu during an annual procession around the island. (Photo by Chang Su-ching)
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Ma Zu 妈祖, Goddess of the Sea, is the most widely worshipped deity in Taiwan.