Hidden Symbols: How Taiwanese Culture Uses Color, Numbers, and Superstition

easyta
Jul 15
2 min read

Updated: Jul 17

Taiwan is a prosperity in tradition and symbolism, where everyday choices—from the color of an envelope to the number on an elevator button—carry deep cultural meaning. These hidden symbols aren't just superstition; they reflect centuries of beliefs, values, and social norms. Whether you're visiting Taiwan or living here as an expat, understanding these cultural codes will deepen your appreciation of the island's unique heritage.

The Power of Color in Taiwanese Culture

Colors in Taiwan are more than just aesthetics—they symbolise luck, prosperity, mourning, and more.

Red: Universally seen as a symbol of good luck, joy, and celebration. Red envelopes (hongbao) are given during Lunar New Year, weddings, and other happy occasions. It's also a popular color for wedding dresses and traditional decorations.
White: Unlike in many Western cultures where white is linked to purity, in Taiwan (and much of East Asia), white is associated with mourning and funerals. Avoid giving white flowers or wrapping gifts in white paper.
Gold & Yellow: These colors represent wealth, power, and prestige. You’ll often see gold and yellow in temple decorations and during major festivals.
Black: Generally viewed with caution. While not as taboo as white in funeral contexts, black is often avoided in festive settings.

Numbers with Meaning

In Taiwanese culture, numbers aren't just digits—they're signs of fortune or misfortune. This belief is especially strong in business, real estate, and gift-giving.

4 (Si, 四): This number sounds like the word for "death" in Mandarin (死), making it highly inauspicious. Many buildings skip the 4th floor.
8 (Ba, 八): Considered extremely lucky because it sounds like "fa" (發), meaning to prosper or become wealthy.
9 (Jiu, 九): Symbolises longevity and eternity. Commonly used in weddings and long-term business dealings.
6 (Liu, 六): Associated with smooth progress. It's often used in marketing to promote success and stability.

Everyday Superstitions That Still Matter

Taiwanese people may live in modern cities with cutting-edge tech, but many still observe traditional beliefs passed down through generations.

Never stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice: It resembles incense sticks offered to the dead and is considered bad luck at the table.
Don’t whistle at night: Whistling after dark is thought to attract ghosts or evil spirits.
Ghost Month (7th lunar month): During this time, it’s believed the spirits of the dead roam the earth. People avoid swimming, moving homes, or making big investments during this period.
Opening an umbrella indoors: to invite unwanted spirits into the home.

Why It Matters

These symbols and superstitions are more than folklore—they shape how people celebrate, communicate, and even do business. For travelers, being aware of these meanings can help avoid cultural faux pas. For locals, they serve as a daily reminder of heritage and identity.

So next time you receive a red envelope, walk into a temple bathed in gold, or notice a missing 4th floor—you’ll know that in Taiwan, every detail has a deeper story.