Facts About Taiwan's Culture
Taiwan stands as the first Chinese Democracy in existence. Culturally, a mix of many indigenous people, Taiwan offers a rich diverse culture in music, religion, food and more.
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Opera
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Taiwanese opera began in the roots of Jin Ge, a collection of folk rhymes and songs sung about sorrow and dejection. Originally myth-, spirit- or legend-based, opera evolved to include modern themes such as romance accompanied by both Taiwanese and Western musical instruments.
Hell Bank Notes
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The Taiwanese believes in sending things to deceased relatives in the afterlife by a special ritual that involves burning small paper replicas of the real item. Therefore, they burn fake money, called "hell bank notes" or even cardboard Visa card replicas to send money to relatives. Mythology suggests this is so relatives can bribe the king of hell for lighter punishments.
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Night Markets
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Night markets serve as places to unwind after a long day by shopping, eating and socializing. Full of food stalls selling easy to carry foods, you can find these markets in cities throughout Taiwan, with most closing at midnight.
Religion
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The Taiwanese people practice religion as a mix of traditional Chinese religion and folk religion. This mix results in a spiritual blend of multiple gods, ancestor worship, Taoist and Buddhist beliefs.
Sun Moon Lake
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Taiwanese couples in love enjoy visiting Sun Moon Lake, so named because its shape resembles Chinese characters for the words sun and moon. Some Taiwanese men propose beside the lake's waters, and the lake provides a beautiful place for honeymooning couples as well.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit http://www.flickr.com/photos/absentmindedprof/16397323/,http://www.flickr.com/photos/weifly/2363279815/,http://www.flickr.com/photos/30425287@N04/3476232777/,http://www.flickr.com/photos/macrohead/2513512115/,http://www.flickr.com/photos/lbraverm/2078899762/
