Taiwanese Puppet Show

The Taiwanese puppet show is a traditional art in Taiwan. In Ming Dynasty, there was a scholar who failed the examination. He went to a temple and prayed. At night, he dreamed of an old man, who told him that he was in charge of his fate. He didn’t believe it, but he failed once more. After that, he learned how to play marionettes from his neighbor. Then he made puppets to put directly on his hands. Because he was so familiar with literature and history, he attracted many people to his shows. He was so happy and suddenly realized what the old man had told him. This is how the hand puppet show came from.

Taiwanese puppets have different characters: the male (strong and wise), the female (old or young), the powerful (with very strong character), the clown and the old man (a monk, or a god etc).

           The Taiwanese puppet show now has special effects, and it is very popular on TV.  Everyone likes to watch this traditional show!  I think, some day the Taiwanese puppet show will be well-known all over the world!

Taiwanese Culture

  One day, I asked my classmates about what food do they think could best represent Taiwanese culture? Most of my classmates said it was Stinky Tofu(臭豆腐). When I asked their opinions about Taiwanese table manners and taboos, they thought the elders were too old-fashioned. I think Taiwanese culture is really rich, but sometimes it is a little bit strange. For example, some adults give you a glass of beer, you have to drink it or they will say you are rude. I think this is the strangest and the worst I have ever heard! What if the person who has to drink beer is under 18 years old? It’s crazy! But I agree on Taiwanese taboos. Some of them have deep meanings. Such as you can’t turn the fish over when you finish eating one side. Because that means the fishing boat will turn over. Others like don’t put your chopsticks upright in your rice is also cool. In a word, I think Taiwanese culture, including the taboos, are really special (a little bit confusing though). Hope we can pass our culture on forever!