6. Bunun: Another antiquated tribe of Taiwan is the Bunun, who dwell in Tainan. Their common practice is a form of night worship that started centuries ago. However, some amendments have been made to this traditional activity, such as pig heads have replaced disembodied human heads as sacrificial offerings, and electricity has replaced torches for lighting.

7. Yami: The Yami depend greatly on the seas' resources. Fishing boats are the legacy of the Yami. Each boat is built from a single giant tree and are beautiful vessels. A fascinating trait of the Yami is the marriage customs. As females dominate the Yami society of the island, they have superior rights. After engagement, the male moves into the female's home for a trial period. At that time, the groom must be on his best behavior and display manly skills to prove to his bride and her family that he is a good and capable individual. If he fails, he is sent away in disgrace and a new suitor is brought in to face the same challenges. Even a successful groom will have to continue proving his worth to his wife and her family or else he would have to succumb to a divorce sought by his wife.

Ultimately, many of these minorities have been assimilated with the burst of growth of Taiwan's commercial and industrial development, but there are a few who still cohere to the traditions and age-old approach of doing things.

New year traditions

With the arrival of New Year's Day, life is renewed and the New Year begins to unfold amidst the noise of firecrackers. The Taiwanese begin the day by worshipping their ancestors, following which the streets become filled with people making New Year's visits to friends and relatives and with the lively display of dragon dancing, lion dancing, and other folk activities. There will also be a firework display at Taipei 101 on the big night.

To insure the arrival of luck and wealth in the New Year, several taboos must be heeded. Floors may not be swept and garbage may not be disposed for fear of casting riches out the door, cussing and quarreling is to be avoided at all costs, and anyone who breaks a dish on this day must quickly say Peace for all time, to avoid incurring misfortune.

On the second day of the New Year, married women return to their parents home to visit family, on the fourth day, the gods return to the world of the living, and on the fifth day, many new stores and old businesses open their doors for the first time due to the auspiciousness of the day. The festive air of celebration continues in this manner all the way up to the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the New Year before slowly ebbing back to normal life again.