Feb 23 2025 10 mins 3
Yun's Mandarin - Taiwanese Online Course: https://mailchi.mp/31034d6eda68/2025-vip-1-1-mandarin-taiwanese-courses
Thanks to Thomas, 赫克托, and Joe for your support this month. You help keep this Taiwan content running and benefit more learners who seek cultural insights about Taiwan.
Transcript for this episode for everyone:
https://yunchih.art/54-why-are-there-so-many-temples-in-taiwan-台灣為什麼有那麼多廟？/
📌 TIMESTAMPS:
⏳ 00:00 - 00:30｜Introduction: Natural Disasters & Faith
Question: "Have you ever experienced an earthquake?"
The unpredictability of earthquakes and the feeling of uncertainty about life.
⏳ 00:30 - 01:30｜Taiwan’s Natural Environment & Religious Beliefs
Natural disasters make people reflect on life priorities.
For those who haven’t experienced earthquakes, comparing them to major life changes.
⏳ 01:30 - 03:00｜Historical Background: Qing Dynasty Immigrants & Faith
1697 records: "The journey from China to Taiwan was extremely dangerous."
People witnessed deities appearing during storms, bringing statues and charms for protection.
⏳ 03:00 - 05:00｜Religious Studies: The Link Between Natural Disasters & Faith
Economist Jeanet Bentzen’s research: Earthquakes impact religious belief levels.
Taiwan’s temple density: "At least one temple or church per square kilometer."
Taiwan’s unique religious diversity.
⏳ 05:00 - 07:00｜Taiwanese Temple Culture: How People Communicate with Deities
Introduction to pua̍h-pue (moon blocks), divination, and temple rituals.
Mazu’s influence and the fusion of Taoism and Buddhism in Taiwan.
⏳ 07:00 - 09:00｜Earth God (Tudi Gong): Localization of Religious Culture
The role and significance of the Earth God.
A personal story illustrating how Taiwanese people "negotiate" with deities.
⏳ 09:00 - 11:00｜The Influence of Religion in Taiwan: More Than Just Faith
More temples than convenience stores; faith remains strong despite education levels.
Taiwan’s religious freedom and inclusivity.
⏳ 11:00 - 12:30｜Personal Experience & Religious Perspective
No fixed belief but a strong interest in religious culture.
Yun's personal experiences with Christianity, mosques, Hindu temples, etc.
Yun's personal dislike on political groups entering schools under religious names.
⏳ 12:30 - 14:00｜How Religion Shapes Social Interactions in Taiwan
A high school graduation trip example: Christian students respecting Buddhist teachers.
Yun's personal experiences: Taiwanese people generally don’t impose religious beliefs on others.
⏳ 14:00 - End｜Conclusion & Audience Engagement
Question: "What do you think about Taiwan’s religious environment?"
Exciting news!
References:
Henrich, J. P. (2020). The WEIRDest People in the World: How the West Became Psychologically Peculiar and Particularly Prosperous. First edition. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
Jeanet Sinding Bentzen. (2019). “Acts of God? Religiosity and Natural Disasters Across Subnational World Districts.” The Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, 129(622), 2295-2321.
Data about Taiwan's religions. Retrieved from Taiwan Executive Yuan.https://www.ey.gov.tw/state/D00B53C98
Maps about Daoist and Buddhist Temples. Retrieved from @taiwan_maps_and_dataviz
Music:
Lakeside.wav by exert.com.au — https://freesound.org/s/99266/ — License: Attribution 3.0 Chinese_New_Year_2009_Arcade_Night Market_GaryBard.wav by GaryBard — https://freesound.org/s/66598/ — License: Attribution 4.0
Plastic Piece Drop On Wood With Noise Backbeat by Ev-Dawg — https://freesound.org/s/343021/ — License: Creative Commons 0
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