Festivals in Taiwan - Celebrate the Life
A melting pot of both Oriental and European cultures, Taiwan can amaze
its visitors with a number of most interesting celebrations that
incorporate the land’s long historical past.
Tourists who travel
Taiwan may be surprised to learn that festivals in
Taiwan form two large groups, namely traditional festivals
celebrated
according to the lunar calendar and official state holidays that have
fixed dates in the solar calendar and commemorate important events in
the life of the society.
Some of the latter Taiwanese holidays include the Founding Day of the
Republic of China, Constitution Day, Women's Day, Children’s
Day and the like.
As for traditional festivals in Taiwan, these have been celebrated for
centuries and though may seem to be full of prejudice at first sight,
imply universal wisdom that can never lose its value. The Taiwanese
attach great importance to such festivals as the Chinese New Year, the
Lantern Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival, the Ghost Festival
(Taiwanese Halloween) and the Mid-Autumn Festival, etc.
The festival that turns over the pages of history, the New Year's Eve,
is a holiday to be spent in the family. People believe that the Old
Year can take away the trouble and the evil, and the New one shall
bring happiness and wealth. Streets get crowded with merry-makers and
evening skies see bright fireworks. It is important not to quarrel with
anyone, not to break dishes and not to sweep the floors so that the
year that comes is peaceful and prosperous. The days that follow have
special rituals to be observed, too, like worshiping the ancestors and
reuniting with the family so the celebrations continue for two weeks
until the Lantern Festival takes it turn.
This time, triumphant ceremonies pass around the cities with
beautifully decorated lanterns attracting tourists who travel Taiwan
with their bright colors and joyful air. The Taipei Lantern Festival is
one of the most famous celebrations, and Tainan lightens the Southern
skies with numerous fireworks.
Another festival in Taiwan that has great importance for the nationals
and invites foreigners to travel Taiwan, is the Dragon Boat Festival.
Ancient people used to believe they could keep off illnesses and secure
peace by celebrating this festival. Spectacular boat races are held
during this time and people will also go out to fetch the healing noon
water to protect them for the rest of the year.
As the Taiwanese believe the Moon to have great power and influence
over the Earth, so they worship the Moon Goddess and pray for good
harvest and a lucky year in union with the families while eating
moon-cakes and enjoying the warm nights on the Mid-Autumn holiday.
Together with the above mentioned dates, Mid-Autumn festival makes the
three major celebrations for the Taiwanese not to be missed when you
travel Taiwan.
You can see that the Taiwanese value family traditions, esteem and
honor their ancestors and just as any other nation hope for the peace
and happiness in life.
Travel Taiwan with our site and we’ll tell you more
interesting facts about culture and history of Taiwan.
|