Celebrating New Year’s in Taiwan: A Personal Experience

Years ago, my husband and I lived in Taiwan for a year. We received an invitation from our landlord to celebrate the New Year’s meal at his home. It was not staged for visitors. It was not presented as a cultural lesson. It was simply how the family observed the holiday.

The house itself felt timeless. The rooms all opened to a central courtyard with all the doors open to it.

We ate in one of the rooms at the feet of a household shrine. It was a deity that stood watch over their ancestors’ photographs. It reminded everyone that the new year connects the past with the present. It marks the future as well.

The meal itself included foods I had never encountered before. It included small, blue hard-boiled eggs and homemade sausages. The eggs symbolized abundance and continuity.

Special sausages had hung curing on porches outside homes for days before the celebration. This served as a visual reminder that preparation was part of the ritual.

The most memorable part, however, was the repeated toasts. We were expected to ganbei — drink in full — again and again, laughter rising with each round. It wasn’t about the alcohol; it was about participation, goodwill, and joining the rhythm of the gathering.

I wish I had photos of that to share with you today. Back in 1973, I felt it was rude to intrude with my large, fancy camera.

Most of the objects I’ve been talking about came into my life while I was living in Taiwan. These include the vase, the scholar figures, and the small bowls. At the time, they were beautiful pieces that spoke to me and were reminders of daily life. These pieces speak to me of the quiet rituals I was learning to appreciate.

The dragon plate joined them later. It was a gift from my oldest brother. It quickly felt like it had always belonged with the rest. Looking at them now, I’m reminded of how objects carry layers of memory. They hold not just cultural meaning, but also personal history. Travel, family, and experiences settle into the home long after the moment has passed.

What struck me most was how natural it all felt. This was not a performance of tradition. It was daily life expanding to welcome a new cycle. People honored their ancestors and shared food. They reinforced bonds and stepped into the year together.