Interpreting the cultue of turtle image offerings in Taiwan

• Main Authors: KU CHIA-CHUN, 古佳峻
• Other Authors: 顏美娟
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2013
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/05053344865087671014

博士 === 國立高雄師範大學 === 國文研究所 === 101 === This paper focuses on the commonly-used turtle pattern or turtle shaped offerings in life ceremonies and holidays by the residents of the Taiwanese regions. In the past, turtle shaped offerings were turtle-shaped red rice cakes or rice turtles. Current varieties include turtle shaped pastries, confectioneries and even other inedible turtle-shaped offerings made from gold or precious items. Taiwan has developed many unique varieties of turtle shaped offerings since the 1950s, as compared to other regions. This has formed a new cultural tend during ceremonies and rituals, and would be considered as a special cultural aspect in Taiwan. This paper is organized into three chapters: 1) literature and culture, (2) imagery and process, and (3) heritage and creativity, which are detailed as follows: Chapter 1 introduces and proposes the research motives, objectives, and academic value of this paper. Chapter 2, Literature Review and Cultural Origins, reviews the local gazettes from the Qing dynasty and Japanese Occupation Period, and traces the turtle shaped foodstuffs back to the Song dynasty. This cultural aspect is a part of the belief in the turtle spirit and longevity it represents. Taiwan has developed this old tradition into an offering of turtle shaped offerings as a symbolism of the people's hopes for safety and sanctuary, and to achieve equilibrium and balance during disruptions of climatic, social, and interpersonal harmony. Thus, turtle shaped offerings are reserved for special occasions. The offering could be translated into an exchange of spirituality and materialism as well as a reverence for the gods. The gods would answer human wishes after taking the offering, representing the intricate interaction between humans and the supernatural. The round shape would symbolize Taiwan's nostalgia about the past and represent the psychological desire for perfectionism. Chapter 3, Imagery and Process, systematically defines the turtle shaped offerings and other similar objects. It further elaborates on the turtle shaped molds, markings and design aesthetics. Turtle shaped molds for rice cakes and other objects are composed of a collection of symbols that represent fortune. Every part of the turtle, from its head to the shell patterns, have been utilized and given various interpretations by regional believers to create intricately decorated visual characteristics. The turtle shaped offering acts as a vector for divine powers that provide the entire family with fortune and blessings. Chapter 4, Heritage and Creativity, discusses the two facets of traditional folk handicraft and modern creativity. It focuses on the content of regional cultural festivals, museum exhibitions and campaigns that aim to disseminate traditional and cultural knowledge via experience-based learning, such as using a variety of materials to create red turtle cakes. Consumer items and commercial creativity include results of public and private competitions and activities held since 2010. These supported the concepts of cultural heritage, use of symbolisms, development of Hakka cultural facets, revitalization of turtle shaped images and its associated memories as well as cultural aspects and traditions. Chapter 5 is the conclusion, summarizing the hypothesis and Taiwan's acceptance of the turtle reverence. An important result of Taiwan's regional development is the utilization of the red turtle rice cake as an icon against ill fortunes in literature and folk culture. Moreover, it defines turtle shaped offerings as "special", reserved only in rare occasions for specific purposes. Regional characteristics include the selection of different imageries in accordance to the local customs. Cultural festivals, products designs, and experience-based course are implemented extensively. However, these activities lack content as they focus only on superficial representation.