North Gate

IMG_0683, originally uploaded by MacKensie!.

The restored Qing Dynasty city gate, now on a tiny island in a traffic circle and under and overpass near the busy Taipei Main Station.

Ghost Month

It is now officially Ghost Month! I really enjoy talking with my students about Taiwanese traditions and this time is particularly interesting. Right now, the gates of hell have opened and the ghosts are out and about. Paper money and other paper effigies are burned and food is offered to appease and honor them. While they're out though, you want to be careful not to attract their attention or they will stay with you instead of going back when the gates close and they will haunt you. For this reason, don't move your house, don't get married, or buy any big, important things, don't wander around at night or go swimming. If you hear your name, don't turn around, just in case.

Here's a little video about it.

http://www.culture.tw/index.php?option=com_seyret&task=videodirectlink&Itemid=260&id=27

Fun!