As an adult, I've always been a bit sad that growing up Christian in Taiwan, I was never exposed to local spiritual practices and festivals even though local temples are ubiquitous. These practices were rejected by my mom as superstitious and un-Christian. I only realized what I had been missing living in Japan after college and being invited by neighborhood associations to participate in the local festivals. Ironically, as a tourist my mom loves Japanese temples, festivals and seasonal events.
I feel exactly the same way! It makes me think a lot about the privileged bubble that I grew up in and the types of unconscious (or conscious) prejudice that people in our circle held. It's been a long process of unlearning / re-learning...
I visited Taiwan back in 1988 and was amazed that at every turn I encountered a shrine. They were all over the place and the colors, red and gold. I still remember that and seeing your photos brought back those memories. I didn't know that there were so many gods for the Taiwanese. Thanks for bringing me back. 'Berta
As an adult, I've always been a bit sad that growing up Christian in Taiwan, I was never exposed to local spiritual practices and festivals even though local temples are ubiquitous. These practices were rejected by my mom as superstitious and un-Christian. I only realized what I had been missing living in Japan after college and being invited by neighborhood associations to participate in the local festivals. Ironically, as a tourist my mom loves Japanese temples, festivals and seasonal events.
I feel exactly the same way! It makes me think a lot about the privileged bubble that I grew up in and the types of unconscious (or conscious) prejudice that people in our circle held. It's been a long process of unlearning / re-learning...
I visited Taiwan back in 1988 and was amazed that at every turn I encountered a shrine. They were all over the place and the colors, red and gold. I still remember that and seeing your photos brought back those memories. I didn't know that there were so many gods for the Taiwanese. Thanks for bringing me back. 'Berta
Thank you! Would love to hear more about what Taiwan was like for you in 1988!
This issue of the newsletter, more than the others, made me want to travel back to Taiwan! ❤️