This photo copyright by K. Dickson from LookThroughTheLens.com
Taiwan’s superstitions and folk beliefs are deeply rooted in a blend of Chinese Folk Religion, Taoism, and Buddhism, emphasizing respect for the deceased (ancestors and wandering spirits) and avoidance of bad omens or misfortune. These beliefs permeate daily life, business, and major calendar events.
As a foreigner living in Taiwan, you don’t need to believe in these customs, but understanding them is crucial for showing respect and avoiding social faux pas.
1. Major Superstitions and Their Origins
A. Ghost Month (農曆七月)
- What it is: The seventh lunar month (usually falling in August or September), when the gates of the underworld are believed to open, allowing ghosts and spirits to roam the world of the living for a month. Wandering spirits who died tragically or have no family to worship them are called “Good Brothers” (Hǎo Xiōngdì 好兄弟) to appease them.
- Origin: A holiday blending Taoist belief in the God of Earth (who forgives sins on the 15th day) and the Buddhist Ullambana festival, which emphasizes filial piety (that is, the importance of respecting, obeying and caring for one’s parents and elders) and rescuing souls from suffering.
- Societal Permeation (Taboos): During this month, many people avoid major life decisions and activities for fear of attracting bad luck from the wandering spirits:
- Do not buy a house, get married, or start a new business.
- Do not go swimming, especially in open water, as drowned spirits may try to pull a living person down to take their place in the afterlife.
- Do not whistle at night, as it may attract the “Good Brothers.”
B. Burning Paper Money (Joss Paper)
- What it is: The ritualistic burning of specially made paper, commonly called joss paper, ghost money, or spirit money (jīnzhǐ 金紙), in small metal bins on the street or in temple furnaces. This practice happens frequently, especially during Ghost Month, the 1st and 15th of every lunar month (for businesses), and at funerals.
- Origin: The custom dates back to ancient China, originating from the idea of ancestor veneration and filial piety. By burning symbolic currency, houses, cars, or other luxuries, the living ensure their deceased ancestors and the wandering spirits have enough money and material goods to enjoy a comfortable life in the afterlife. The smoke acts as a medium to transfer the gifts to the spirit realm.
- Societal Permeation: You will see this everywhere: businesses burning money outside their shops on the first and 15th for prosperity, and households setting up offering tables outside their doors during Ghost Month with food and paper money.
2. Common Daily Taboos and Homophonic Beliefs
Many taboos are based on homophones—words that sound similar but have different meanings—or associations with death and funerals.
| Taboo/Custom | Meaning | Origin/Reasoning |
| Sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice. | Looks like incense sticks placed in an urn. | Incense is offered to the dead. Doing this is seen as an insult to the host or a curse that attracts spirits. |
| Avoiding the number ‘4’. | The word for ‘four’ (sì 四) sounds like the word for ‘death’ (sǐ 死). | This is pervasive. Many buildings (especially hospitals and hotels) skip the 4th floor, and apartment rental prices on the 4th floor may be slightly discounted. |
| Gifting a clock or watch. | The Mandarin phrase “to give a clock” (sòng zhōng 送鐘) is a homophone for “to attend a funeral” (sòng zhōng 送終). | It is seen as a subtle reminder of mortality or a curse wishing the recipient’s life to end. |
| Writing names in red ink. | Red ink is traditionally used for writing the names of the deceased on funeral announcements or plaques. | Using it for a living person’s name implies they are deceased or may face misfortune. |
| Picking up a red envelope (Hongbao) off the street. | The red envelope may be part of a “ghost marriage” ritual. | If you pick it up, you may be bound to the spirit of a deceased person’s family as their spouse, a ceremony arranged to grant the dead a married life. |
3. How Taiwan’s Superstitions Permeate Society
Taiwanese folk religion is characterized by syncretism (combining many different beliefs). So it’s not uncommon for a single family to worship Buddhist, Taoist, and local deities, alongside their ancestors. This fluidity is why the superstitions are so widely observed:
- Filial Piety: The most fundamental driving force is filial piety—respecting and caring for one’s parents and ancestors. The customs ensure ancestors are well-fed and provided for in the afterlife, securing the family’s blessing in return. Many Taiwanese households have 2 or 3 generations living together.
- Safety & Pragmatism: Many superstitions have a common-sense or pragmatic root. For instance, the taboo against going swimming during Ghost Month coincides with a time when typhoons and strong tides are common. The superstition simply provides a potent cultural reason to avoid a genuine danger.
- Business: Merchants are often the most visibly superstitious, diligently offering sacrifices and burning money to ensure good fortune and keep the spirits appeased, seeing it as a necessary business practice.
As an expatriate, a simple attitude of “respect and observe” is best. You are not expected to participate, but acknowledging the importance of these customs to your neighbors, colleagues, and friends will prevent misunderstandings and integrate you more smoothly into Taiwanese society.