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While traveling through Meinong near Kaohsiung, I was exposed to the rich culture of the Hakka people. The origin of their name means "guest families," and it is a Han Chinese subgroup of people who migrated to this part of Taiwan centuries ago.
In a showcase of preservation, we were hosted by a cultural museum which works to educate people like us about this culture.
We first received a lecture entirely in Mandarin about Hakka cuisine. Then, we experienced Hakka music while eating lunch. Finally, we were able to practice the art of making umbrellas.
Read below for more details on these experiences.
The Art of Umbrellas
The Art of Umbrellas
Learning how to make oil paper umbrellas was a unique opportunity. Umbrellas carry great symbolism, and are often given to newlyweds.
The Hakka Cookbook
The Hakka Cookbook
Traditional Hakka cuisine is a marriage between Chinese culinary practices and the places where the nomadic Hakka people settled, such as India and Taiwan.
Hakka Calligraphy
Hakka Calligraphy
The museum worked to memorialize and preserve many parts of Hakka culture, including the professions, pastimes, and art of those in this culture.
A Hakka Shrine
A Hakka Shrine
Throughout Taiwan, we witnessed people leave offerings at shrines. This is an example of a Hakka shrine, with plenty of sweet treats and fresh fruit left on it.
Hakka Music
Hakka Music
This performance contained instruments I had never heard or seen before! The musicians were obviously experts in handling them, and the songs they produced were full of energy and life. It was very interesting to listen to!
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