S4-E36 - Merry Christmas 2024, and a big thank you to all our People of Quality
Dec 25, 2024
This year's finale celebrates listener engagement and a fresh book release from Plum Rain Press. Dive into Taiwan's unique Christmas traditions, blending local myths with global narratives. Discover the historical ties of the gifts to Jesus and the role of camphor in Taiwanese culture. An intriguing quest for the mythical 'holy bamboo' adds a whimsical touch. The duo reflects on their adventures and the exciting possibilities for the coming year. Season's greetings and gratitude for a remarkable journey make this a merry send-off!
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Podcast Growth
The Taiwan History Podcast has grown significantly in 2024, gaining more listeners and social media followers.
They launched a Chinese-language show and a publishing venture, Plum Rain Press, releasing "A Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa."
question_answer ANECDOTE
Christmas in Taiwan
Christmas was once Constitution Day in Taiwan, commemorating the adoption of a new constitution on December 25th, 1946.
This holiday was later removed due to economic concerns when Taiwan moved to a five-day work week.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Taiwan's Christmas Connection
From the late 1960s to the early 1980s, Taiwan was a major producer of Christmas decorations and lights.
This means many people in the Western world likely had Taiwanese-made Christmas decorations.
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The Blue Lotus is the fifth volume of 'The Adventures of Tintin' series. It follows Tintin and his dog Snowy as they are invited to China in the midst of the 1931 Japanese invasion. Here, Tintin reveals the machinations of Japanese spies and uncovers a drug-smuggling ring. This story is notable for Hergé's newfound emphasis on accuracy and documentation, influenced by his friend Zhang Chongren, a Chinese student. The book critiques the actions of Japanese invaders and satirizes common European misconceptions about China. It is considered one of Hergé's finest works and marks a significant turning point in the series due to its detailed research and historical context[1][3][4].
The Travel Log
The Travel Log
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The Forks
A Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa
A Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa
Dr. Chen
Tintin in Tibet
Hergé (Georges Remi)
In this twentieth volume of The Adventures of Tintin, Tintin is convinced that his friend Chang Chong-Chen has survived a plane crash in the Himalayas. Despite the odds and the skepticism of others, Tintin, accompanied by Captain Haddock and Snowy, embarks on a treacherous journey across the Himalayas to Tibet. The story is notable for its emotional and spiritual themes, lacking the typical villains and conspiracies of other Tintin adventures. Hergé's personal experiences and interests in yoga, spiritualism, and Buddhism are also reflected in this work[1][4][5].
This was a breakout year for Formosa Files, for which we thank our highly intelligent, "people of quality" listeners and supporters.
John and Eryk wrap up the year with a "bits & pieces/Xmas hotpot" episode that includes everything from a non-canonical version of the goddess Mazu's birth to the fact that early Tintin comics move into the public domain on 1 January 2025.
Oh, and we've decided on a divine mission: a search for the "Holy Bamboo" of Pingtung (or any bamboo in Pingtung Eryk can pass off as being connected to the grove that bloomed in joy when then-Crown Prince Hirohito visited in 1923.)
This year also featured the launch of Plum Rain Press and the release of Dr. Chen Yao-Chang's major historical fiction epic, "A Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa."
MERRY CHRISTMAS (or seasonal greeting of your choice) and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files
