March - April 2017
1. Walking Around Dong He 在東河散步 (March 2017)
"So you want to have coffee here?" "妳要在這裏喝咖啡嗎?"
"No, the trail's closed. Too expensive anyway." 不. 步道不開放了. 而且這裡的咖啡也太貴了."
"So... you want to go up to that other trail in Dong He?" "那... 妳要去東河的步道嗎?"
"Ok." "好."
"I want to park over there." "我要在那裏停車."
"You want to go to that coffee shop we passed later?" "妳要去剛剛經過的那家咖啡廳嗎?"
"I don't know. Maybe. Let's see how much it is, and then decide." "不知道. 有可能. 先看看價錢再決定."
"Why haven't I ever tried to swim around here?" 為什麼我沒來過這裡游泳
"Too hard to get down to the river." 從這裡下去不方便
"Yeah. Maybe we can try from further up next time, near where the monkeys are." "好像是. 我們下次往泰源附近的賞猴區找地方下去吧. ."
"Ok." "好."
"Go up there if you want, it's fine." "妳可以上去. 沒關係."
"No, I don't want to. I've seen it before." "我不想去. 以前看過了."
"Snakes? Maybe." "蛇? 有可能."
"Crabs?" "螃蟹?"
"Looks like it'll rain soon." "好像快下雨了."
"I know, but what about after dinner?" "對啊! 可是晚餐以後要做甚麼?"
"Just keep going, it's not far." "直走. 妳快到了."
"Past the trees." "樹的另一頭."
"I think that place we went by was the burger restaurant he was talking about." "我們經過的那家漢堡餐廳應該就是他之前提到的."
"Burgers? Oh God not burgers again! I'm cooking!" "漢堡. 天啊! 我不想吃漢堡! 我要在家吃飯!"
"Ok, fine. Just saying..." "好, 好. 我只想說......"
"No burgers!" "不要漢堡!"
"You know, when I think about it, I've never seen anyone else walking this trail." 你知道嗎? 我從沒看過其他人走這條步道.
"Too hard to see from the bridge, maybe." 應該是很難從橋上看到這裡.
"Or... it looks too tiring from up there." "還是... 橋上的人覺得走下來太累了."
"Yeah, maybe." "有可能."
"It was just stupid, the way it ended." "最後的結局好笨."
"I know. How did the bad guy wind up there at the end?" "對啊! 壞人最後怎麼找到他們的?"
"I don't know. I think maybe we're both thinking too hard. And maybe the first one was better." "不知道. 我想我們兩個想太多了. 也可能第一部比較好看."
"Kevin Hart's in a lot of movies." "凱文·哈特演的電影很多."
"And then he was so drunk he just did it like that." "那他應該很醉, 以至於那樣子做."
"Really?" "真的嗎?"
"Yeah, just like that." "是啊! 就像那樣."
"He really shouldn't do that." "他不應該做那種事."
"No." "沒錯."
"I don't want to go look at the pants anymore." "我不想去看長褲了."
"Shorts." "短褲."
"Shorts. Whatever. I'm too tired. Let's just go to Carrefour instead. It's on the way back." "短褲. 隨便. 我太累了. 我們去家樂福好了. 去那裏比較方便."
"Ok. But I want coke." "好. 可是我要買可樂."
"Fine. But no coffee shops. Too expensive." "沒問題. 可是不能去咖啡館. 太貴了."
"Yeah, I guess. There's a Family Mart in Dulan. We'll stop there." "我知道. 都蘭有一家全家. 在那裏停下來吧."
"Ok." "好."
"But I'm still buying coke." "我還是要買可樂."
"No, the trail's closed. Too expensive anyway." 不. 步道不開放了. 而且這裡的咖啡也太貴了."
"So... you want to go up to that other trail in Dong He?" "那... 妳要去東河的步道嗎?"
"Ok." "好."
"I want to park over there." "我要在那裏停車."
"You want to go to that coffee shop we passed later?" "妳要去剛剛經過的那家咖啡廳嗎?"
"I don't know. Maybe. Let's see how much it is, and then decide." "不知道. 有可能. 先看看價錢再決定."
"Why haven't I ever tried to swim around here?" 為什麼我沒來過這裡游泳
"Too hard to get down to the river." 從這裡下去不方便
"Yeah. Maybe we can try from further up next time, near where the monkeys are." "好像是. 我們下次往泰源附近的賞猴區找地方下去吧. ."
"Ok." "好."
"Go up there if you want, it's fine." "妳可以上去. 沒關係."
"No, I don't want to. I've seen it before." "我不想去. 以前看過了."
"Snakes? Maybe." "蛇? 有可能."
"Crabs?" "螃蟹?"
"Looks like it'll rain soon." "好像快下雨了."
"I know, but what about after dinner?" "對啊! 可是晚餐以後要做甚麼?"
"Just keep going, it's not far." "直走. 妳快到了."
"Past the trees." "樹的另一頭."
"I think that place we went by was the burger restaurant he was talking about." "我們經過的那家漢堡餐廳應該就是他之前提到的."
"Burgers? Oh God not burgers again! I'm cooking!" "漢堡. 天啊! 我不想吃漢堡! 我要在家吃飯!"
"Ok, fine. Just saying..." "好, 好. 我只想說......"
"No burgers!" "不要漢堡!"
"You know, when I think about it, I've never seen anyone else walking this trail." 你知道嗎? 我從沒看過其他人走這條步道.
"Too hard to see from the bridge, maybe." 應該是很難從橋上看到這裡.
"Or... it looks too tiring from up there." "還是... 橋上的人覺得走下來太累了."
"Yeah, maybe." "有可能."
"It was just stupid, the way it ended." "最後的結局好笨."
"I know. How did the bad guy wind up there at the end?" "對啊! 壞人最後怎麼找到他們的?"
"I don't know. I think maybe we're both thinking too hard. And maybe the first one was better." "不知道. 我想我們兩個想太多了. 也可能第一部比較好看."
"Kevin Hart's in a lot of movies." "凱文·哈特演的電影很多."
"And then he was so drunk he just did it like that." "那他應該很醉, 以至於那樣子做."
"Really?" "真的嗎?"
"Yeah, just like that." "是啊! 就像那樣."
"He really shouldn't do that." "他不應該做那種事."
"No." "沒錯."
"I don't want to go look at the pants anymore." "我不想去看長褲了."
"Shorts." "短褲."
"Shorts. Whatever. I'm too tired. Let's just go to Carrefour instead. It's on the way back." "短褲. 隨便. 我太累了. 我們去家樂福好了. 去那裏比較方便."
"Ok. But I want coke." "好. 可是我要買可樂."
"Fine. But no coffee shops. Too expensive." "沒問題. 可是不能去咖啡館. 太貴了."
"Yeah, I guess. There's a Family Mart in Dulan. We'll stop there." "我知道. 都蘭有一家全家. 在那裏停下來吧."
"Ok." "好."
"But I'm still buying coke." "我還是要買可樂."
2. Driving between Jia Yi and Pingtung 在嘉義, 屏東一帶開車 2 (April 2017)
Pictures taken last weekend. We drove from Taitung City to Jia Yi City, with many stops along the way. 上個周末的照片. 我們從台東市開車到嘉義市. 在路途中停了很多地方.
Construction at the Jia Yi Train Station. If you walk up Jung Shan road from here, there's a pretty good night market on Wen Hua Road. 嘉義火車站在施工. 從這邊走中山路到文化路, 會發現一個熱鬧的夜市.
This is the City God temple, not far from the night market. Definitely one of the most interesting temples I've been to. It takes up six floors, with the whole celestial hierarchy arranged from the top of the temple to the bottom. This temple is also more than 300 years old. 靠近夜市的城隍廟. 是我參觀過的有趣的廟宇的其中一座. 它有六層樓, 一樓到六樓各供奉著不同位階的神明. 這所廟也有三百多年的歷史了.
Not sure who this guy is, but he dates back to the 1700s. 我忘記這位先生的身分, 可是他是1700年代出現的.1
The guys working in this temple are also very friendly, and there are English guides available to foreign tourists. 廟裡的人很熱心. 他們也有給外國觀光客參考的英文手冊.
This is Bu Dai Port, about an hour west of Jia Yi City. I've been wanting to explore this place for a while. We passed it many times on our way to Yunlin. 從嘉義市區往西邊開一個小時就是布袋漁港. 我想來這邊已經很久了. 我們以前去雲林的時候會經過這個地點.
It has an impressive seafood market, with many restaurants and different types of food to choose from. We had lunch there, and it was very good. 他們的海鮮市場很大. 也有很多餐廳跟多種料理. 我們在那裏吃午餐. 很好吃喔.
Don't ask me what the significance of this giant shoe is. I have no idea! But if you visit the seafood market, this is a five minute walk away. 我根本不知道這巨大的高跟鞋是甚麼意思. 反正很靠近海鮮市場. 走5分鐘就到了.
The nearby bay from the other side of the giant shoe. The bamboo rigging in the water is used for growing oysters. There is water taxi service to the little islands on the other side of the bay, and you can even take a boat to Penghu from here. 高跟鞋另一邊的海灣. 水中的竹子是養牡蠣用的. 從這裡可以坐船到海灣另一邊的小島. 漁港也有坐船到澎湖的服務.
Oh, and we also visited this place called The Brewseum in Hengchun, Pingtung County. Great beer, but a little hard to find. If you're in Hengchun it's worth looking for. 差一點忘記了, 我們也去了恆春3000啤酒博物館. 那邊的啤酒很好喝, 可是這個地點不好找. 如果人在恆春的話, 應該去試試看.
1. An (alert?) reader has informed me that this is Zheng He 鄭和, famed maritime explorer of the late 13/early 1400s. She thinks. She's not sure. Maybe she's right?
Construction at the Jia Yi Train Station. If you walk up Jung Shan road from here, there's a pretty good night market on Wen Hua Road. 嘉義火車站在施工. 從這邊走中山路到文化路, 會發現一個熱鬧的夜市.
This is the City God temple, not far from the night market. Definitely one of the most interesting temples I've been to. It takes up six floors, with the whole celestial hierarchy arranged from the top of the temple to the bottom. This temple is also more than 300 years old. 靠近夜市的城隍廟. 是我參觀過的有趣的廟宇的其中一座. 它有六層樓, 一樓到六樓各供奉著不同位階的神明. 這所廟也有三百多年的歷史了.
Not sure who this guy is, but he dates back to the 1700s. 我忘記這位先生的身分, 可是他是1700年代出現的.1
The guys working in this temple are also very friendly, and there are English guides available to foreign tourists. 廟裡的人很熱心. 他們也有給外國觀光客參考的英文手冊.
This is Bu Dai Port, about an hour west of Jia Yi City. I've been wanting to explore this place for a while. We passed it many times on our way to Yunlin. 從嘉義市區往西邊開一個小時就是布袋漁港. 我想來這邊已經很久了. 我們以前去雲林的時候會經過這個地點.
It has an impressive seafood market, with many restaurants and different types of food to choose from. We had lunch there, and it was very good. 他們的海鮮市場很大. 也有很多餐廳跟多種料理. 我們在那裏吃午餐. 很好吃喔.
Don't ask me what the significance of this giant shoe is. I have no idea! But if you visit the seafood market, this is a five minute walk away. 我根本不知道這巨大的高跟鞋是甚麼意思. 反正很靠近海鮮市場. 走5分鐘就到了.
The nearby bay from the other side of the giant shoe. The bamboo rigging in the water is used for growing oysters. There is water taxi service to the little islands on the other side of the bay, and you can even take a boat to Penghu from here. 高跟鞋另一邊的海灣. 水中的竹子是養牡蠣用的. 從這裡可以坐船到海灣另一邊的小島. 漁港也有坐船到澎湖的服務.
Oh, and we also visited this place called The Brewseum in Hengchun, Pingtung County. Great beer, but a little hard to find. If you're in Hengchun it's worth looking for. 差一點忘記了, 我們也去了恆春3000啤酒博物館. 那邊的啤酒很好喝, 可是這個地點不好找. 如果人在恆春的話, 應該去試試看.
1. An (alert?) reader has informed me that this is Zheng He 鄭和, famed maritime explorer of the late 13/early 1400s. She thinks. She's not sure. Maybe she's right?
3. Driving between Jia Yi and Pingtung 在嘉義, 屏東一帶開車 1 (April 2017)
Pictures taken last weekend. We drove from Taitung City to Jia Yi City, with many stops along the way. 上個周末的照片. 我們從台東市開車到嘉義市. 在路途中停了很多地方.
This is Jiou Ru, in Pingtung County. It seems like the kind of town that younger people desperately try to escape. Why did we visit this place? See the next picture! 屏東縣九如鄉. 似乎在那裡長大的年輕人大多搬到外縣市吧. 我們為甚麼要去哪裡? 看下一張照片就知道了.
This is the Lords of the Three Mountains temple in Jiou Ru. It dates back to 1778. 這是九如的三山國王廟. 它建於1778年.
I doesn't look that old from outside, but many of the wall carvings date back to its construction. It remains an important temple in this community. 外面看起來年代沒那麼老, 可是裡面的石雕充滿著歲月的痕跡. 這座廟是社區的重要廟宇.
A lot of Jiou Ru looks like this - old and abandoned. I'm thinking that a lot of these buildings/ruins date back to the Ching Dynasty. 九如很多地方差不多都這樣子 - 很久沒有人使用的感覺. 這裡很多老房子是清朝時期的建築吧?
After visiting Jiou Ru we went to the National Palace Museum's Southern Branch. I would NOT recommend this place. The building looks cool, but there's not much in it. It's also really out of the way. 參觀完三山國王廟以後我們去故宮南院. 我不推薦來這裡玩. 建築物看起來很酷, 可裡面沒什麼有趣的東西. 地點也很偏僻.
Jia Yi City's famous turkey rice. I thought it was good, but nothing to go mental over. 嘉義市有名的火雞肉飯. 我覺得好吃, 可是也沒有特別好吃.
There's an old brewery in Jia Yi City that now serves as a local market. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but it's a nice place to wander around. 嘉義市區的舊啤酒廠現在成為文化創意產業園區. 外面看起來不怎麼樣, 可是裡面可以去逛一逛.
This is Jiou Ru, in Pingtung County. It seems like the kind of town that younger people desperately try to escape. Why did we visit this place? See the next picture! 屏東縣九如鄉. 似乎在那裡長大的年輕人大多搬到外縣市吧. 我們為甚麼要去哪裡? 看下一張照片就知道了.
This is the Lords of the Three Mountains temple in Jiou Ru. It dates back to 1778. 這是九如的三山國王廟. 它建於1778年.
I doesn't look that old from outside, but many of the wall carvings date back to its construction. It remains an important temple in this community. 外面看起來年代沒那麼老, 可是裡面的石雕充滿著歲月的痕跡. 這座廟是社區的重要廟宇.
A lot of Jiou Ru looks like this - old and abandoned. I'm thinking that a lot of these buildings/ruins date back to the Ching Dynasty. 九如很多地方差不多都這樣子 - 很久沒有人使用的感覺. 這裡很多老房子是清朝時期的建築吧?
After visiting Jiou Ru we went to the National Palace Museum's Southern Branch. I would NOT recommend this place. The building looks cool, but there's not much in it. It's also really out of the way. 參觀完三山國王廟以後我們去故宮南院. 我不推薦來這裡玩. 建築物看起來很酷, 可裡面沒什麼有趣的東西. 地點也很偏僻.
Jia Yi City's famous turkey rice. I thought it was good, but nothing to go mental over. 嘉義市有名的火雞肉飯. 我覺得好吃, 可是也沒有特別好吃.
There's an old brewery in Jia Yi City that now serves as a local market. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but it's a nice place to wander around. 嘉義市區的舊啤酒廠現在成為文化創意產業園區. 外面看起來不怎麼樣, 可是裡面可以去逛一逛.
4. Dino on the Go! 3-4 (April 2017)
In which the author of this blog asks himself the important questions - these being the questions from the Dino on the Go! textbooks, Level 3 and Level 4.
1. Can you swim?
Yes, I can. I know my swimming stroke is off from years of doing it "wrong," but I can get along quite well in the water. Even with my "wrong" stroke I can beat a lot of people doing the "right" stroke.
This said, I haven't been swimming in quite a while. I used to go swimming at the Flowing Lake 活水湖 twice a week, but since they privatized that place I just don't enjoy it anymore. I liked it when it was "our" lake. I liked it when it was free. People trying to make money of that lake and the adjoining Forest Park 森林公園 ruined those places for me.
2. What can you do?
For the most part I'm fairly useless, but I can do a few cool things, such as:
a. Change my shoes without using my hands.
b. Find my way around almost all of southern, central, and eastern Taiwan without a map.
c. Claim a familiarity with obscure Taoist gods and goddesses.
d. Make chocolate chip cookies, pizza, and enchiladas without using a recipe.
3. What are these?
I think that they are gold coins, recovered from the wreckage of an ancient Chinese junk, off the coast of northern California. You should really get those appraised, man. You should also contact your local department of Archaeology. You're about to be famous!
4. What do you want?
What do I want, and should I have it? Such a question is never as simple as it first seems.
Sexual fantasies aside, I'd like a piping hot pizza right now. I'd also like a nice IPA to go with it. And I wish it was Friday afternoon, and that I'd just finished teaching all my classes.
Then I wish that through a freak, painless accident I received superpowers. Then I could use these powers to travel to distant planets or other dimensions, and over time I could assemble a "rogue's gallery" of formidable foes.
5. What time is it?
It's Hammer time. And no, you can't touch this.
6. What are you doing?
I'm trying to remember the lyrics to "Can't Touch This," and failing. Wait... I think I've got it... "My/my/my/music hits me/so hard/makes me say/Oh my Lord/thank you/for blessing me/with a mind to rhyme and two hype feet..."
[bows]
7. Where are you?
I'm in Taitung, Taiwan, which as everyone knows is the center of the universe. But perhaps you meant that question in another sense, as in: "Where are you mentally?"
I'm feeling pretty good right now. Tomorrow I will have made up that last of my classes, and after that it's smooth sailing all the way to June 19, when I fly back to Seattle with my younger daughter in tow. Tomorrow is also Friday, it's been a three-day week thanks to Tomb Sweeping Day and Children's Day, and life seems good.
8. Where's my kite?
Kites are retarded. What are you f**king around with a kite for? Go find something better to do my friend! Kites are for kids!
1. Can you swim?
Yes, I can. I know my swimming stroke is off from years of doing it "wrong," but I can get along quite well in the water. Even with my "wrong" stroke I can beat a lot of people doing the "right" stroke.
This said, I haven't been swimming in quite a while. I used to go swimming at the Flowing Lake 活水湖 twice a week, but since they privatized that place I just don't enjoy it anymore. I liked it when it was "our" lake. I liked it when it was free. People trying to make money of that lake and the adjoining Forest Park 森林公園 ruined those places for me.
2. What can you do?
For the most part I'm fairly useless, but I can do a few cool things, such as:
a. Change my shoes without using my hands.
b. Find my way around almost all of southern, central, and eastern Taiwan without a map.
c. Claim a familiarity with obscure Taoist gods and goddesses.
d. Make chocolate chip cookies, pizza, and enchiladas without using a recipe.
3. What are these?
I think that they are gold coins, recovered from the wreckage of an ancient Chinese junk, off the coast of northern California. You should really get those appraised, man. You should also contact your local department of Archaeology. You're about to be famous!
4. What do you want?
What do I want, and should I have it? Such a question is never as simple as it first seems.
Sexual fantasies aside, I'd like a piping hot pizza right now. I'd also like a nice IPA to go with it. And I wish it was Friday afternoon, and that I'd just finished teaching all my classes.
Then I wish that through a freak, painless accident I received superpowers. Then I could use these powers to travel to distant planets or other dimensions, and over time I could assemble a "rogue's gallery" of formidable foes.
5. What time is it?
It's Hammer time. And no, you can't touch this.
6. What are you doing?
I'm trying to remember the lyrics to "Can't Touch This," and failing. Wait... I think I've got it... "My/my/my/music hits me/so hard/makes me say/Oh my Lord/thank you/for blessing me/with a mind to rhyme and two hype feet..."
[bows]
7. Where are you?
I'm in Taitung, Taiwan, which as everyone knows is the center of the universe. But perhaps you meant that question in another sense, as in: "Where are you mentally?"
I'm feeling pretty good right now. Tomorrow I will have made up that last of my classes, and after that it's smooth sailing all the way to June 19, when I fly back to Seattle with my younger daughter in tow. Tomorrow is also Friday, it's been a three-day week thanks to Tomb Sweeping Day and Children's Day, and life seems good.
8. Where's my kite?
Kites are retarded. What are you f**king around with a kite for? Go find something better to do my friend! Kites are for kids!
5. Culture Shock 文化衝擊 (April 2017)
Oh, please. 拜託!
Every time I start complaining, she has to jump in and start defending Taiwan! As if 1) everything I complain about has Taiwan as its ultimate source, and 2) Taiwan needs defending. 我每次開始訴苦的時候, 她都要來為台灣辯護. 好像是 1) 我每次都是抱怨台灣, 2) 台灣需要她的保護.
I'll be sitting here, and I'll say something harmless like "It's really hot today," and she'll just have to say something like, "Yes, in Taiwan the weather's hotter, but we are a subtropical country." 我一坐著說些無關緊要的話, 例如: "今天天氣很熱," 然後她一定會說 "台灣的天氣比較熱, 因為台灣位於亞熱帶" .
What? Does she think I just arrived here from the States? 17 years, man. Does she think I need the weather explained to me? 什麼意思? 她以為我剛到台灣嗎? 天啊! 我已經住這裡17年了! 她以為我在等她介紹台灣的氣候嗎?
And this other one over here. Always saying things like "Do you know why we don't have to work next week? It's Dragon Boat Festival! Do you know what Dragon Boat Festival is?" 還有另外一位女士. 她一直跟我說這樣的話: "你知道我們下禮拜為什麼不用上班嗎? 是端午節! 你知道端午節是什麼嗎?"
No, Ms. Tour Guide. I have no idea what Dragon Boat Festival is. Why don't you explain it to me again? I've lived here for over a decade, and yet I have no knowledge of local holidays. 導遊小姐, 我當然不知道端午節的意思! 妳再跟我介紹一下好嗎? 我住台灣的時間超過十年, 可是我什麼節日都不認識? 對不對?
If she tries to explain any more Chinese customs to me I'm going to scream. I swear it. I'm going to scream. 她如果再跟我介紹中國民俗的話, 我一定會大叫. 我說的沒錯. 我要叫很大聲.
And now here comes this guy. He's on his way to talk to me, and I can already see the fear in his eyes. Oh my God I have to talk to the foreigner again he is thinking, and every word he utters after "excuse me" is going to be both awkward and uncomfortable. 這位先生又來了! 他走過來對我講話, 我已經從他的眼睛裡看到他的恐懼. 他在想: "救命啊! 我又要跟外國人講話了!" 他跟我說 "不好意思" 之後, 他說的每句話裡都包含著緊張的聲音.
Now just look here, man. I'm American, I'm not from another planet. I realize that you grew up in a very small village somewhere, way out in the country, but we're speaking the same language, and I'm still a human being. Does it always have to be so weird with you? Does it always have to be so strange? 思考一下 ! 我是從美國來的, 不是外星球. 我知道你們長大的地方很鄉下, 可是我們兩個還是用中文溝通啊! 我跟你一樣是人類. 每次跟你在一起需要表現得那麼奇怪嗎? 每次一定要這樣子嗎?
So many people, and all of them making me feel so... foreign. On another day I'd brush it off. On another day it would be their problem, and not mine. If only today were that day. 那麼多人讓我覺得那麼的... 外國人. 某天我可以不用把這些放在心上, 某天這會是他們的問題, 可惜! 今天不是某天.
6. Dino on the Go! 1-2 (April 2017)
In which the author of this blog asks himself the important questions - these being the questions from the Dino on the Go! textbooks, Level 1 and Level 2.
1. What's your name?
I don't like putting my name on this blog. Before, when I had my name on it, every week or so I'd get weird e-mails from princes in Africa, or guys looking to invest their money, or guys who were ready to offer me "an exciting business opportunity." Now I don't get those kind of e-mails half as much.
2. How old are you?
I'm 42 in Western years (though it pains me to say it), and 43 in Chinese (lunar) years (though it pains me to say it even more). This means that I was born in the year 1975, which was a year when many of the progressive rock and glam rock bands started to suck. It was also a year before cell phones and personal computers. But I don't really remember any of that because I was 0 years old in Western years, or 1 year old in Chinese (lunar) years.
3. What's this?
I think I know what it is. But why are you pointing it at me?
4. What color is this?
It looks a little red. Maybe you should have a doctor take a look.
5. Are you tall?
By Taiwan standards, yes. By Western standards, not so much. I am a few fractions of an inch below six feet, and this is tall enough. Kids in my school like to tell me that I'm very tall, but this is never said to me back home.
6. Is it big?
Hell yes it's big! It is, in fact, HUGE.
7. Who's she?
[I wrote a very flippant response to this question, but later deleted it because it would get me into a lot of trouble if my coworkers read it.]
Instead I will just say that "she" is lovely. Whoever "she" may be!
8. Are you a student?
Jobwise I am a teacher. But I try to keep my mind open. I try to learn new things, and I continue to study Taiwan's culture and languages. I doubt that I'll ever be finished with such studies.
1. What's your name?
I don't like putting my name on this blog. Before, when I had my name on it, every week or so I'd get weird e-mails from princes in Africa, or guys looking to invest their money, or guys who were ready to offer me "an exciting business opportunity." Now I don't get those kind of e-mails half as much.
2. How old are you?
I'm 42 in Western years (though it pains me to say it), and 43 in Chinese (lunar) years (though it pains me to say it even more). This means that I was born in the year 1975, which was a year when many of the progressive rock and glam rock bands started to suck. It was also a year before cell phones and personal computers. But I don't really remember any of that because I was 0 years old in Western years, or 1 year old in Chinese (lunar) years.
3. What's this?
I think I know what it is. But why are you pointing it at me?
4. What color is this?
It looks a little red. Maybe you should have a doctor take a look.
5. Are you tall?
By Taiwan standards, yes. By Western standards, not so much. I am a few fractions of an inch below six feet, and this is tall enough. Kids in my school like to tell me that I'm very tall, but this is never said to me back home.
6. Is it big?
Hell yes it's big! It is, in fact, HUGE.
7. Who's she?
[I wrote a very flippant response to this question, but later deleted it because it would get me into a lot of trouble if my coworkers read it.]
Instead I will just say that "she" is lovely. Whoever "she" may be!
8. Are you a student?
Jobwise I am a teacher. But I try to keep my mind open. I try to learn new things, and I continue to study Taiwan's culture and languages. I doubt that I'll ever be finished with such studies.
7. Follow Me 5-6 (April 2017)
In which the author of this blog asks himself the important questions - these being the questions from the Follow Me textbooks, Level 5 and Level 6.
1. Do they like oranges?
Yes, I suppose they do.
2. What do you want to drink?
Right now another cup of coffee would be good. Orange juice would also be nice. No alcohol. It's too early for that.
3. What day is today?
Today is Friday, though by the time you read this it may not be Friday. Maybe it will be Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, or Sunday. Maybe it will also be a holiday like Boxing Day or All Saints' Day. Whatever holiday it might be, I hope you get the day off, and I hope it's awesome.
4. What are you doing?
Haven't I answered this question already? Overlap between different textbook series!
At the moment I'm trying to stay awake. Didn't sleep well last night.
5. Where are you going?
Nowhere fast. But I suppose I'm also going to the place we're all going to - that great Krispy Kreme in the sky. All of the women who work in that Krispy Kreme are easily manipulated bikini models, and they also serve alcoholic beverages. I like to think of it as a cross between Las Vegas and Valhalla... but with donuts.
6. How can we get to the hospital?
Are you ok? ARE YOU OK??? OH MY GOD THE BLOOD!!! SOMEBODY HELP ME!!! SOMEBODY HELP ME!!! SOMEBODY HELP MEEEEEEEEE!!!!
Which reminds me that I was watching this UK show "Embarrassing Bodies" on YouTube last night. All I can say is bring a strong stomach. That show gets NASTY.
7. What's your favorite subject?
It depends on what time it is, and who I'm with. Sometimes my favorite subject is sex, other times it's movies, other times it's books, other times it's beer, other times it's American football, other times it's things to do in other parts of Taiwan, and still other times it's obscure comic book characters, and how they could be killed in freak accidents.
8. What do you do after school?
Today? After 4 I'm going home, and once I get home I'll have to clean the catboxes in our apartment, and get the garbage ready for the garbage truck. After that I'll probably sit down and read a book, and at the same time drink the beer that's sitting in my refrigerator.
1. Do they like oranges?
Yes, I suppose they do.
2. What do you want to drink?
Right now another cup of coffee would be good. Orange juice would also be nice. No alcohol. It's too early for that.
3. What day is today?
Today is Friday, though by the time you read this it may not be Friday. Maybe it will be Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, or Sunday. Maybe it will also be a holiday like Boxing Day or All Saints' Day. Whatever holiday it might be, I hope you get the day off, and I hope it's awesome.
4. What are you doing?
Haven't I answered this question already? Overlap between different textbook series!
At the moment I'm trying to stay awake. Didn't sleep well last night.
5. Where are you going?
Nowhere fast. But I suppose I'm also going to the place we're all going to - that great Krispy Kreme in the sky. All of the women who work in that Krispy Kreme are easily manipulated bikini models, and they also serve alcoholic beverages. I like to think of it as a cross between Las Vegas and Valhalla... but with donuts.
6. How can we get to the hospital?
Are you ok? ARE YOU OK??? OH MY GOD THE BLOOD!!! SOMEBODY HELP ME!!! SOMEBODY HELP ME!!! SOMEBODY HELP MEEEEEEEEE!!!!
Which reminds me that I was watching this UK show "Embarrassing Bodies" on YouTube last night. All I can say is bring a strong stomach. That show gets NASTY.
7. What's your favorite subject?
It depends on what time it is, and who I'm with. Sometimes my favorite subject is sex, other times it's movies, other times it's books, other times it's beer, other times it's American football, other times it's things to do in other parts of Taiwan, and still other times it's obscure comic book characters, and how they could be killed in freak accidents.
8. What do you do after school?
Today? After 4 I'm going home, and once I get home I'll have to clean the catboxes in our apartment, and get the garbage ready for the garbage truck. After that I'll probably sit down and read a book, and at the same time drink the beer that's sitting in my refrigerator.
8. Super Wow 7-8 (April 2017)
In which the author of this blog asks himself the important questions, these being the questions from Super Wow textbooks, Level 7 and Level 8.
1. What subjects do you like?
Already answered this one in another entry. Next.
2. What do you want to be?
If I could be any animal, I'd be an otter. Otters seem like they have a good time most of the time.
Although I'm pretty much ok being who I am. I could always be better of course, but I don't have any huge complaints or parts of myself that I'm (overly) dissatisfied with.
3. How do you go to school?
I go to school by bicycle every day. It's not so hard. If you're not doing it now, maybe you could try it.
4. Where are you going?
Think I already answered this one too. Damn this textbook overlap! Damn it to hell!
5. What's wrong?
My Spider-sense is tingling. I think Doc Oc and the Sandman might be up to their old tricks!
6. What do you want to do?
Right now lying in the ocean sounds nice. It's very humid today, and I think that would feel good.
7. I was scared.
I'm sorry to hear that, but it's not really a question, is it? Come here and let me give you a hug...
8. Where were you?
A few minutes ago I was teaching a class. I know it becomes difficult when I'm away too long, but I'm here now, so don't worry.
1. What subjects do you like?
Already answered this one in another entry. Next.
2. What do you want to be?
If I could be any animal, I'd be an otter. Otters seem like they have a good time most of the time.
Although I'm pretty much ok being who I am. I could always be better of course, but I don't have any huge complaints or parts of myself that I'm (overly) dissatisfied with.
3. How do you go to school?
I go to school by bicycle every day. It's not so hard. If you're not doing it now, maybe you could try it.
4. Where are you going?
Think I already answered this one too. Damn this textbook overlap! Damn it to hell!
5. What's wrong?
My Spider-sense is tingling. I think Doc Oc and the Sandman might be up to their old tricks!
6. What do you want to do?
Right now lying in the ocean sounds nice. It's very humid today, and I think that would feel good.
7. I was scared.
I'm sorry to hear that, but it's not really a question, is it? Come here and let me give you a hug...
8. Where were you?
A few minutes ago I was teaching a class. I know it becomes difficult when I'm away too long, but I'm here now, so don't worry.
9. What's Going on in Taitung County's Police Bureaus 台東縣警察分局最近發生的事 (April 2017)
Taitung County is divided into four police bureaus/districts: Guanshan, Taitung, Cheng Gong, and Dawu. The Guanshan Police Bureau lies north of Taitung City, along Highway 9. The Taitung City Police Bureau watches over the areas in and around Taitung City. The Cheng Gong Police Bureau lies north of Taitung City, along Highway 11. The Dawu Police Bureau lies south of Taitung City, along Highway 9. 台東縣警察局分成四個分局: 關山分局, 成功分局, 台東市分局, 跟大武分局. 關山分局位於台東市北邊, 在台9線附近. 台東市分局管理臺東市附近的地區. 成功分局位於台東市北邊, 在台11線附近. 大武分局在台東市南邊, 在台9線附近.
I also scanned through the previous week's news to find police and/or crime-related stories. 我看了這禮拜的新聞, 找了有關警察和一些犯罪的新聞.
1. The Guanshan Police Bureau 台東縣警察局 - 關山分局
Police officers in Chr Shang helped a "beautiful, golden-haired" foreign tourist blow up her bicycle tires. The officers came away from the experience feeling very good about their English. 池上的警察借給一位 "金髮美女" 打氣筒. 之後他們覺得自己的英文能力不錯.
"Sir, can you speak English?" Other foreigners were assisted in Luye. "長官, 你會說英語嗎?" 其他外國人也受到鹿野分駐所的幫助.
A climber lost in the mountains was rescued. The climber had been lost for a day and a night. 在山區迷路的登山客經過了一日一夜終於獲救了!
During the Tomb-Sweeping holiday officers helped direct traffic at the public cemetery. 清明節連假的時候, 關山警察加強公墓週邊交通疏導及巡查勤務.
A new traffic light was installed on Highway 9, near Wu Ling. The Guanshan Police Bureau urges citizens to obey traffic laws in this area. 台9線上, 武陵附近有新的紅綠燈. 關山分局提醒居民尊重交通規則.
In a drug-related incident (Ketamine! Yeah!), a man in Yan Ping was discovered with a weird, improvised hunting rifle. 與毒品有關的案件, 警察抓到自己組裝獵槍的獨行男.
2. The Taitung Police Bureau 台東縣警察局 - 台東分局
A fire broke out in the Taitung City police barracks. No one was hurt. 台東市警察宿舍傳出火警. 沒有人受傷.
Fishermen on Green Island protested the 12 nautical mile limit imposed on those using guns to kill fish. 綠島漁民抗議12海浬內禁用魚槍的規定.
A street fight broke out at the Taitung Bus Station last Wednesday. 上個禮拜三台東轉運站發生街鬥.
3. The Cheng Gong Police Bureau 台東縣警察局 - 成功分局
Officers in the Cheng Gong Police Bureau are working to increase the safety and orderliness of tourist-related activities along Taitung's north coast. "成功警察配合地方觀光發展加強各項治安作為."
The Dong He Police Station has adopted its own dog, "Little Black." (Guess what color the dog is!) 東河派出所收留一隻叫小黑的流浪犬. (猜猜看那隻狗的顏色)
Some retired fishermen in Cheng Gong, faced with the task of repaying loans from the local fishing association, have "been driven to the point of suicide." 成功鎮... "有些漁民退休後經濟狀況不佳，無力繳回溢領金額，甚至走上自殺一途."
4. The Dawu Police Bureau 台東縣警察局 - 大武分局
The Dawu Police Bureau encourages residents to remain vigilant with regard to schemes involving phone lines or Line. One local resident was tricked out of a lot of money! 大武分局叫居民小心以電話或LINE假冒好友名義借錢. 有居民因為這樣被騙了很多錢!
The Dawu Police Bureau has a new captain. A ceremony was recently held in his honor. 大武最近舉行典禮歡迎新的分局長上任.
After a night of drinking, a man collapsed on the road where he was later run over by a car in Jin Luen. 夜晚時一名酒醉的男子倒臥在金崙馬路上, 不久之後其他駕駛發現他被輾在車下.
I also scanned through the previous week's news to find police and/or crime-related stories. 我看了這禮拜的新聞, 找了有關警察和一些犯罪的新聞.
1. The Guanshan Police Bureau 台東縣警察局 - 關山分局
Police officers in Chr Shang helped a "beautiful, golden-haired" foreign tourist blow up her bicycle tires. The officers came away from the experience feeling very good about their English. 池上的警察借給一位 "金髮美女" 打氣筒. 之後他們覺得自己的英文能力不錯.
"Sir, can you speak English?" Other foreigners were assisted in Luye. "長官, 你會說英語嗎?" 其他外國人也受到鹿野分駐所的幫助.
A climber lost in the mountains was rescued. The climber had been lost for a day and a night. 在山區迷路的登山客經過了一日一夜終於獲救了!
During the Tomb-Sweeping holiday officers helped direct traffic at the public cemetery. 清明節連假的時候, 關山警察加強公墓週邊交通疏導及巡查勤務.
A new traffic light was installed on Highway 9, near Wu Ling. The Guanshan Police Bureau urges citizens to obey traffic laws in this area. 台9線上, 武陵附近有新的紅綠燈. 關山分局提醒居民尊重交通規則.
In a drug-related incident (Ketamine! Yeah!), a man in Yan Ping was discovered with a weird, improvised hunting rifle. 與毒品有關的案件, 警察抓到自己組裝獵槍的獨行男.
2. The Taitung Police Bureau 台東縣警察局 - 台東分局
A fire broke out in the Taitung City police barracks. No one was hurt. 台東市警察宿舍傳出火警. 沒有人受傷.
Fishermen on Green Island protested the 12 nautical mile limit imposed on those using guns to kill fish. 綠島漁民抗議12海浬內禁用魚槍的規定.
A street fight broke out at the Taitung Bus Station last Wednesday. 上個禮拜三台東轉運站發生街鬥.
3. The Cheng Gong Police Bureau 台東縣警察局 - 成功分局
Officers in the Cheng Gong Police Bureau are working to increase the safety and orderliness of tourist-related activities along Taitung's north coast. "成功警察配合地方觀光發展加強各項治安作為."
The Dong He Police Station has adopted its own dog, "Little Black." (Guess what color the dog is!) 東河派出所收留一隻叫小黑的流浪犬. (猜猜看那隻狗的顏色)
Some retired fishermen in Cheng Gong, faced with the task of repaying loans from the local fishing association, have "been driven to the point of suicide." 成功鎮... "有些漁民退休後經濟狀況不佳，無力繳回溢領金額，甚至走上自殺一途."
4. The Dawu Police Bureau 台東縣警察局 - 大武分局
The Dawu Police Bureau encourages residents to remain vigilant with regard to schemes involving phone lines or Line. One local resident was tricked out of a lot of money! 大武分局叫居民小心以電話或LINE假冒好友名義借錢. 有居民因為這樣被騙了很多錢!
The Dawu Police Bureau has a new captain. A ceremony was recently held in his honor. 大武最近舉行典禮歡迎新的分局長上任.
After a night of drinking, a man collapsed on the road where he was later run over by a car in Jin Luen. 夜晚時一名酒醉的男子倒臥在金崙馬路上, 不久之後其他駕駛發現他被輾在車下.
10. Taiwanese Culture 台灣文化 (3 of 3) (April 2017)
What follows below was taken from The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Taiwan Culture (一看就懂台灣文化). If the title sounds familiar, it's because I introduced another book in the series, the Illustrated Encyclopedia of Conventional Industries last year. 以下的內容來自一看就懂台灣文化這本書. 如果你覺得書名似曾相識, 可能是因為我以前介紹過類似的書籍一看就懂台灣博覽.
The Chinese was written by Wang Song-shan, Li Kwang-ti, and Hong Li-wan. The English was written by me. 下列中文的部分是從王嵩山, 李匡悌, 洪麗完這三個作者的書裡節錄的. 英文的部分則是我寫的.
Below are excerpts from the 民間信仰 ("Folk Beliefs") section, or pages 110-158 in the book. A lot of this section is very "local," and/or has been covered in other entries, so there are parts I'm leaving out. 這一次的文章是出自"生命禮俗"單元來的, 自110到158頁. 這一個單元很 "在地," 有些內容也在其他的文章討論過, 所以重複的內容就不寫了.
民間信仰 Folk Beliefs
1. 民間信仰 Folk Beliefs1
台灣的民間信仰由於社會族群, 自然環境和政權變遷等因素, 融合了道教, 佛教, 儒教, 泛靈信仰, 以及多種外來宗教, 逐漸形成特殊風貌與多元文化的內涵. Taiwanese folk beliefs come from the ethnic groups within [Taiwanese] society, from the natural environment, from changes in government, or from other factors. [These folk beliefs] combine religious elements from Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Animism, and other, imported religions. These religions have gradually taken on special characteristics within Taiwanese culture, and [have in turn] made this culture more distinctive.
道教 Taoism
道教為東漢張陵所創, 其製作道書與科儀, 被尊為 "天師". 主要奉祀三清道祖和玉皇大帝. Taoism was founded by Zhang Ling during the Eastern Han Dynasty, [during which time] he wrote many books on Taoism and created many Taoist rituals. He came to be called "the heavenly teacher." [Taoists] worship the Lords of the Three Realms and the Jade Emperor.
佛教 Buddhism
佛教源自印度, 傳入中國後又發展出許多宗派, 台灣的佛教主要是清代從閩粵移民傳入的臨濟宗和曹洞宗, 佛寺主要奉祀釋迦牟尼佛和觀世音菩薩. Buddhism came from India, and [this faith] was later divided into many sects after it was passed into China. The major Taiwanese Buddhist tradition was brought here during the Ching Dynasty, by immigrants from Fujian and Guangdong. [These immigrants subscribed to] the Linji and Caodong2 schools [of thought]. The [most] important deities at Buddhist temples are the Gautama Buddha and Guanyin.
儒教 Confucianism
儒教主要以儒家的學說為基礎, 尤其是孝道的觀念, 重視祭祀祖先, 促使宗族團結互助. Confucianism is based on the doctrines set down by Confucius, the most important of which are his doctrines concerning filial piety. [This faith] places importance on the worship of ancestors, and members of a group working together.
泛靈信仰 Animism3
泛靈信仰是人類古老的信仰, 包括自然, 亡靈, 庶物的崇拜, 以及巫術, 禁忌等. Animism is the oldest of mankind's spiritual beliefs, and includes the worship of nature, spirits, and other things. It also [includes a belief in] witchcraft and taboos.
文神部眾神職司表 Chart of Gods and Their Jobs4
I. 至上神: 天公 (玉皇大帝) The highest god: The Lord of Heaven (Jade Emperor)
A. 司生: 南斗星君 The Judge of the Living: The King of the Southern Stars5
B. 三界公 The Lords of the Three Realms
1. 上元天官 The Heavenly Officer of the Upper Realm
2. 中元地官 The Earthly Officer of the Middle Realm
3. 下元水官 The Aqueous Officer of the Lower Realm
C. 司死: 北斗星君 The Judge of the Dead: The King of the Big Dipper
II. 中央行政神 Gods of the Central Administration
A. 教育: 孔子, 魁星夫子 Education: Confucius, Master Kui Shing
B. 學務: 文昌帝君, 孚佑帝君 Learning: King Wenchang, Lu Dong-bin
C. 農務: 神農大帝 Farming: The God of Farming
D. 工務: 巧聖先師 (魯班公), 荷葉仙師 Public Works: The First Architect (Lord Lu Ban), The Divine Teacher He Ye
E. 商務: 關聖帝君 (關公) Business: Guan Yu (Lord Guang)
F. 醫務: 保生大帝 (大道公) Medicine: The Life-Protecting Emperor (The Lord of the Great Way)
G. 航務: 天上聖母 (媽祖), 水仙尊王 Shipping [Transport]: The Heavenly Mother (Matsu), The Venerated Kings of the Water
H. 漁業: 四海龍王 Fishing: The Dragon King of the Four Seas
I. 娛樂: 田都元帥 Entertainment: Marshal Tian Du
J. 音樂: 西秦王爺 (北營亂彈) Music: The Prince of the Western Chin (Leader of the North Battalion)
K. 驅邪: 玄天上帝, 太子爺 Exorcism: The Dark Emperor, Lord Tai Dze
L. 除疫: 王爺, 厲鬼 Casting Out Disease: The Prince, Li Guei
M. 生育: 註生娘娘, 十二婆姐, 花公, 花婆 Fertility: Ju Sheng Mother, the Twelve Maidens, The Lord of Flowers, The Lady of Flowers
N. 女藝: 七星娘娘 (七娘媽) Feminine Arts: The Seven Star Ladies (Seven Mothers)
III. 地方行政神 Local Administrative Gods
A. 守護神 Gods of Protection
1. 延平郡王 (台灣) King Yanping (Taiwan)
2. 廣澤尊王 (泉人) The Venerated King Guang Dze (Chuanjou)
3. 開漳聖王 (漳人) The Sacred King and Developer of Jangjou (Jangjou)
4. 三山國王 (客人) The Lords of the Three Mountains (Hakka)
B. 司法神 Judicial Gods
1. 城隍, 土地, 二十四司官 The City God, Tu Di [Gong], The 24 Officials
2. 青山王, 境主公, 五營 The King of Ching Mountain, The Lord of the Realm, The Five Battalions
IV. 陰府行政官 Officials in the Underworld6
1, 2. 東嶽大帝 (嶽帝爺), 地藏王 (地獄救主) The Emperor of the Eastern Mountain (Lord of the Mountain), Kshitigarbha (The Savior of Hell)
A-J. 一殿: 秦廣王, 二殿: 楚江王, 三殿: 宋帝王, 四殿: 五官王, 五殿: 閻羅王, 六殿: 卞城王, 七殿: 泰山王, 八殿: 都市王, 九殿: 平等王, 十殿: 轉輸王 First Palace: Jiang Dze-wen, Second Palace: King Chu Jiang, Third Palace: Emperor Song, Fourth Palace: The Fifth Kingly Official, Fifth Palace: (King) Yama, Sixth Palace: King Bian Cheng, Seventh Palace: The King of Tai Mountain, Eighth Palace: The King of the City, Ninth Palace: The King of Justice [another name for "King" Yama, who also inhabits the Fifth Palace], Tenth Palace: The King of the Great Wheel
a. 文判 The Judge of Literature
b. 武判 The Judge of Warfare
c. 牛爺 The Lord of Cattle
d. 馬爺 The Lord of Horses
e. 七爺 The Seventh Lord
f. 八爺 The Eighth Lord
g. 鬼役 The Ghost Servant
h. 刑役 The Servant of Punishment
2. 常見神祇 Popular Gods
台灣常見的神祇是: 玉皇大帝, 觀音菩薩, 天上聖母, 玄天上帝, 三官大帝, 福德正神, 保生大帝, 王爺, 關帝聖君, 三山國王, 開漳聖王, 釋迦佛祖等, 在全台眾多寺廟中供奉, 但是各地神祇名稱與造型有所不同. The gods often seen in Taiwan are: The Jade Emperor, Guanyin, The Heavenly Mother [Matsu], The Dark Emperor, The Lords of the Three Realms, Tu Di Gong [Lord Tu Di, or the Earth God], The Life-Protecting Emperor, The Regal Lords, Guan Yu [Lord Guang], The Lords of the Three Mountains, The Sacred King and Developer of Jangjou, and the Gautama Buddha. [These gods] are worshiped in many temples in Taiwan, though their names and appearance vary.
3. 欣賞媽祖廟 Enjoying Matsu Temples
台灣媽祖廟眾多, 又極富建築之美, 其中多座廟宇已被列為文化資產, 走入每一座媽祖廟, 有如參觀豐富, 精緻的民間信仰與藝術博物館, 其中呈現的歷史意義, 建築藝術, 佛像特色等, 都值得細細欣賞, 深入瞭解. There are many Matsu temples in Taiwan, and the aesthetic appeal of these buildings has led to many of them becoming cultural artifacts. [When you] enter any Matsu temple, it is like entering a museum dedicated to folk beliefs and folk arts, in which one finds historical importance, architectural skill, and the characteristics of Buddhist iconography. [These temples are] all worth enjoying in detail, and [should be] understood in depth.
4. 鹿港天后宮 Lu Gang's Queen of Heaven Temple
鹿港天后宮位於彰化鹿港, 創建於清康熙年間, 幾經修建才成為三進二院的恢弘建築格局, 為縣 (市) 定古蹟寺廟. Lu Gang's Queen of Heaven temple is in Lu Gang [Municipality], Chang Hua [County]. It was built during the reign of the Ching Emperor Kang Shi, and after many remodels it was divided into the three sections and two courtyards [that we know today]. It is one of the county/city temples protected as historic sites.
5. 刈火儀式 The Fire Ceremony
台灣民間寺廟有前往歷史悠久, 香火鼎盛或有分靈關係的大廟進香的慣俗, 目的往往在於迎取大廟的香火, 藉以傳承祖廟的歷史記憶或取得象徵大廟神明的靈力. 例如, 白沙屯拱天宮每年往北港朝天宮進香的目的, 即是為了求取北港媽祖的香火. Taiwanese folk temples have a long history. There are many traditions regarding the burning of incense and which gods are to be worshiped, and the purpose behind these traditions is to celebrate the temple's history, or to receive spiritual power from the gods. For example, every year at Bai Sha Tun Temple [the people will take part in a religious procession] to Beigang's Chao Tian Temple. This is done to receive blessings from [the goddess] Matsu in Beigang's temple.7
刈火儀式時, 朝天宮的住持, 以金紙引取朝天宮主殿光明燈中的火, 並將燃燒的金紙放入朝天宮 "萬年香火爐" 中, 拱天宮的執事人員則不斷將金紙投入萬年香火爐中燃燒; 待萬年香火爐內裝滿香灰後, 法師從萬年香火爐中杓取三瓢香灰到拱天宮得火缸, 儀式便告圓滿完成. During the fire ceremony, the resident monk in the Chao Tian Temple will burn ghost money over a fire in the main hall. Later the ghost money is placed inside Chao Tian Temple's "10,000 Year Furnace," and the holy men within the temple will continue to add ghost money to the fire. After the furnace is full of ash, a priest removes three scoops of this ash and the 10,000 Year Furnace is placed in a wooden case. A this point the ritual is concluded.8
在儀式過程中, 朝天宮光明燈的火, 象徵朝天宮媽祖的靈力, 這種無形的媽祖靈力, 透過金紙燃燒形成灰的物質形式來分享, 傳承並延續. While the ritual is being enacted, the Chao Tian Temple is full of light, as if illuminated by the goddess Matsu's spiritual power. This type of invisible "Matsu power" is shared through the burning of ghost money, and is passed on through generations.
6. 王爺 The Regal Lords9
歷來許多生前有功於社稷鄉里, 或是傳說中保護人民的男性神祇, 經過敕封之後即可晉升王爵成為王爺. Whether a real person who lived in a fishing village long ago, or a male god of protection, these [beings] were later promoted to the post of "regal lords."
王爺故鄉 The Regal Lords' Hometown
台南在台灣是開發最早的地區, 建有二百多座王爺廟, 大多分布在靠海區域, 自古就有 "王爺故鄉" 之稱. Tainan was the earliest [Chinese] area to be developed, and has [had?] more than 200 Regal Lord temples. Most of these temples are near the ocean, and in old times Tainan was called "the Regal Lords' hometown."
7. 迎王祭典 The Welcoming the King Festival
迎王祭典盛行於台灣南部各地, 起源自對於瘟神王爺的畏懼, 但隨著人們對千歲爺信仰的改變, 迎王祭典的性質也漸由 "逐疫" 轉變為 "祈福." The Welcoming the King Festival began in south Taiwan, and originated with the Regal Lord's power to cast out pestilence. Yet as beliefs in the Regal Lords changed, the Welcoming the King Festival's original purpose of "casting out disease" became "praying for good fortune."
西港刈香 The Burning of Incense in Shi Gang
由台南西港慶安宮主辦的 "刈香醮典", 俗稱 "西港香" (又稱西港仔香). 是南瀛地區 "五大香" 之一, 每三年逢地支年丑, 辰, 未, 戌等, 在農曆四月中旬定期舉辦. The burning of incense during the "jiao" ceremony at Tainan's Ching An Temple in Shi Gang is called "Shi Gang Shiang" (or Shi Gang Dze Shiang), and is one of the "five big incense festivals" in southern Taiwan. This festival is held every three years, during the "chou," "chen," "wei," and "shu" days of the fourth month on the lunar calendar.10
8. 東港迎王平安祭典 Dong Gang's Welcoming the King Peace Festival
屏東東港地區每逢丑, 辰, 未戌年舉行迎王平安祭典, 其特色為祭典時間長, 祭典組織綿密, 參與人數眾多, 儀式形式與內容豐富, 王船建造美觀雄偉等, 尤以王船 "陸上行舟" 蔚為壯觀, 是台灣三大宗教民俗盛會之一. Every year during the "chu," "chen," "wei," and "shu" days on the lunar calendar, Dong Gang in Pingtung County will host its Welcoming the King Peace Festival. This festival lasts a long time, is very complicated, and many people attend it. The appearance and significance of this festival are very interesting, and includes the construction of the Regal Lord's majestic ship. Most spectacular of all is the "landing of the Regal Lord's boat." This is one of Taiwan's three major folk religious festivals.
9. 龍山寺 Longshan Temples
台灣龍山寺源自福建泉州晉江安海龍山寺, 主祀觀音菩薩. 全台著名的五座龍山寺, 依建置先後為台南, 萬華, 鳳山, 鹿港, 淡水. 台灣龍山寺的建築規模和精美, 堪稱是台灣傳統工藝的極致表現, 廟內的祭典, 廟會也是鮮活的常民文化大觀. Taiwan's Longshan temples are derived from Hai Long Shan Temple, which lies on the Jin River in Chuan Jhou, Fujian Province [in Mainland China]. At these temples Guanyin is worshiped. There are five famous Longshan temples in Taiwan, and these are to be found in Tainan, Wan Hua [Taipei], Feng Shan [Kaohsiung], Lu Gang [Chang Hua], and Danshui [Taipei]. The design of the Longshan temples represents the apex of traditional Taiwanese architecture, and the ceremonies and festivals held within them represent the best of [Taiwanese] folk culture.
觀音信仰 Belief in Guanyin
觀音菩薩圖象十分常見, 但是種類多, 變化大. 佛教經典上說觀音菩薩的悲心廣大, 眾生遭遇災難, 只要一心稱念觀音世菩薩名號, 菩薩立即尋聲解難, 協助信眾難苦得樂, 故有 "大慈大悲觀世音菩薩" 的稱呼, 以及 "家家阿彌陀, 戶戶觀世音" 的讚譽. The image of Guanyin is seen often, but [her image] comes in many varieties and has changed a lot over time. The Buddhist scriptures state that Guanyin is very compassionate, and that in times of distress people should pray with all their hearts to Guanyin so that she can take away their troubles, and ease her believer's difficulties. In ancient times she was called "the compassionate and merciful goddess Guanyin," and it was also said that "every house believes in the Buddha, and every family believes in Guanyin."
10. 城隍爺 The City God (Lord of the City)
"城隍" 信仰源自於古時對城牆與護城河的崇拜, 後來逐漸人格化為陰間的地方官一 "城隍爺". 城隍爺是地方行政中的司法神, 掌管人間善惡的記錄, 通報, 死者亡靈審判和移送之職. The belief in a "city god" dates back to the worship of city walls [fortifications] and moats. Later [these beliefs] gradually anthropomorphized into the "Lord of the City." The Lord of the City is the god of the central [celestial] administration, and he records the good and bad deeds of every person. He reports these deeds back to the gods that sit in judgement over the dead.
台灣府城隍廟 Taiwan Prefecture's City God Temple
位於台南市青年路, 是台灣歷史最悠久的城隍廟, 相傳建於明永曆二十三年 (1669), 被列為國定古蹟寺廟. 廟中擁有為數眾多的匾額和楹聯, 三川殿門前的龍柱與石獅, 雕工細緻, 栩栩如生, 值得細細品味. [This temple] is in Tainan City, on Ching Nian Road. It is the oldest City God temple in Taiwan, and was build during the 23rd year of Emperor Ming Yong, in 1669. It was declared a national historic temple by the government, and in the temple you will find many plaques and couplets. [There are also] ornate dragon pillars before the doors and stone lions. The stonework is very detailed, looks very lifelike, and is worth a close inspection.
11. 三山國王 The Lords of the Three Mountains
發源於中國廣東粵東地區的民間信仰, 廣東三座山一獨山, 明山, 巾山的三位山神, 隨著當地移民向外擴展, 成為粵東, 香港, 台灣及東南亞等地的民間信仰. The folk belief [in these gods] comes from Guangdong Province in Mainland China. [There are] three mountains in Guangdong, [and they are] Du Mountain, Ming Mountain, and Jin Mountain, [each with its own] god. As people from this area migrated to other places, the folk belief [in these gods] spread to Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other places in Southeast Asia.
古蹟級三山國王廟 Ancient Lords of the Three Mountains Temples
目前台灣有一百三十座以上的三山國王廟, 其中五座建廟達二百年以上, 並且已被列為古蹟寺廟保護: At one time Taiwan had more than 130 Lords of the Three Mountains temples, and five of them were more than 200 years old. The following historic temples have been set aside for preservation:
新莊廣福宮 (建於1780年) Shin Juang [New Taipei] Guang Fu Temple (built in 1780)
雲林三山國王廟 (建於1809年) Yunlin [County's] Lords of the Three Mountains Temple (built in 1809)
鹿港三山國王廟 (建於1737年) Lu Gang [in Chang Hua] Lords of the Three Mountains Temple (built in 1737)
台南三山國王廟 (建於1742年) Tainan [City's] Lords of the Three Mountains Temple (built in 1742)
屏東九如三山國王廟 (建於1651年) Pingtung [County] Jiou Ru Township's Lords of the Three Mountains Temple (built in 1651)11
12. 虎爺 Lord Tiger
台灣廟宇中所供奉的虎爺, 有虎將軍, 虎爺將軍以及虎爺公等不同的尊稱. 虎爺追隨的主神以保生大帝和土地公為主, 這與民間流傳保生大帝, 土地公的伏虎傳說有關. In Taiwanese temples Lord Tiger is revered in many forms, such as General Tiger, Lord Tiger, and Grandfather Tiger. Lord Tiger serves the Life-Preserving Emperor and Tu Di Gong, and worship of him can be traced to the legend of the pet tiger kept by both the Life-Preserving Emperor and Tu Di Gong.12
13. 齋教 [The Chinese] "Religion of Fasting"
齋教在清朝代從中國傳入台灣, 日治時期曾經盛極一時, 全台多達二百多座齋堂, 信徒人數眾多, 近年來由盛轉衰, 但其在台灣宗教史上曾扮演重要角色. 可讓人瞭解台灣佛教的多元面貌和傳統基礎所在. The "Religion of Fasting" came to Taiwan from China during the Ching Dynasty, and [adherence to this religion] reached a peak during the Japanese colonial administration. There are [were?] more than 200 temples dedicated to this religion, and multitudes of followers. Its popularity has faded in recent years, but it has played an important role in Taiwan's religious history. [An appreciation of this religion] can give people an understanding of Buddhism's various aspects and its basis in tradition.
1. Foreign readers will probably notice that Christianity is missing from this list. This omission is, I think, a mistake. Christianity has a long history in Taiwan, and remains an important part of many communities.
This section might also lead one to think that the religious traditions described are separate in most contexts, but you'd have to go back pretty far to find distinctive strains of Taoism, Buddhism, or some other faith. In terms of what most traditionally-minded Taiwanese people believe, these religions are often mixed together indiscriminately, with little regard for doctrinal purity.
2. The Linji School and the Caodong schools are types of Chan Buddhism. Chan Buddhism is a type of Mahayana (Great Vehicle) Buddhism combined with elements of Taoism.
3. It doesn't say so in this book, but many of these animistic beliefs are thought to go back to the aboriginal tribes Chinese settlers first encountered, and/or intermarried with when they first settled the west coast of the island.
4. In the book this really is a chart. I've found that inserting charts into Blogger makes the HTML "weird," so I converted the chart into an outline. It probably goes without saying that many gods aren't to be found on this chart, and that many of their alternate names are not listed. To make matters even more confusing, some of these gods are aspects of each other.
English translations for godly titles such as 爺, 公, and 王 vary. Where possible, I tried to use the most commonly seen translation.
5. These "Southern Stars" are six stars in the Sagittarius constellation.
6. Deep waters here. Many of these underworldly personages are also historical figures, and this section also leans heavily toward Buddhism. I wasn't able to find a lot of information on some of these deities, and some of the translations offered are approximations.
7. Bai Sha Tun 白沙屯 ("place of white sands") connotes Matsu. Part of the "rao jing" 繞境 ceremony is referred to as "crossing the white sand(s)." Both of the temples mentioned in this section are Matsu temples, but Beigang's is far older.
8. According to the diagram in the book, the ritual is actually more complicated than what is described in the text. A statue of Matsu is passed over the flames several times during the ritual.
9. I've seen these deities' name translated as "The Princes" elsewhere, but this sounds strange to me so I'm going with "The Regal Lords." "The Royal Lords" is another possibility.
10. The "jiao" ceremonies were described in the 台灣民俗由來 The Origin of Taiwanese Customs (4 of 4) entry. 香 is synonymous with "incense" or even "burning incense" in this context. The terms as the end of this section are special days that occur every month of the lunar calendar.
11. This last date is incorrect. It's not that old. I know this because I visited the place a few weeks ago! There are pictures in the Driving between Jia Yi and Pingtung 在嘉義, 屏東一帶開車 1 entry. The dates on the other temples seem to be correct.
It should also be stated that the people immigrating from Guangdong and spreading the worship of the Lords of the Three Mountains were Hakka. This type of worship is often sited as a feature of their culture.
12. The most often seen depiction of him is in his tiger form. He is also shown as a man with a tiger head, or as a man wearing a tiger hat. The "tiger hat Lord Tiger" has to be the cutest god ever.
12. The most often seen depiction of him is in his tiger form. He is also shown as a man with a tiger head, or as a man wearing a tiger hat. The "tiger hat Lord Tiger" has to be the cutest god ever.
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