SDG11
NCKU Forum Explores Cultural Transmission and "Coming of Age at 16"
The Research Center for Humanities and Social Sciences (CHASS) at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) hosted the "From Home to Ritual: Social Changes in the Coming-of-Age Ceremony" forum at the History Archives on August 18, while simultaneously launching a Southeast Asian Ritual Culture Special Exhibition from August 18 to 19. Starting from Tainan's iconic "Coming of Age at 16" ceremony, the events re-examined the transmission and transformation of traditional culture in contemporary society through historical research, local experiences, cultural displays, technology applications, and cross-national comparisons.
The event was organized by NCKU CHASS, co-organized by the Department of History, the Department of Psychology, and the Exploring Tainan Office, and brought together the Tainan City Government Cultural Affairs Bureau, the Cultural Resources Administration Office, local ancestral halls, schools, private enterprises, and cultural workers, showcasing a diverse model of cross-disciplinary collaboration between the university and the local community. The forum opened with a performance by the NCKU Song Jiang Jhen team, using body, technique, and live exhibition to transform traditional folk custom from mere text records or research objects into a tangible, shared cultural experience.
Executive Vice President Yuh-Neu Chen of NCKU stated in her opening remarks that Tainan, where NCKU is located, is itself a rich "humanities museum". Religious beliefs, festival rituals, family traditions, and daily life all carry the historical memory accumulated over time in Taiwanese society. "Coming of Age at 16" is not merely a rite of passage; it reveals how families view children's growth, how generations pass down blessings, and how local communities build connections through shared beliefs and rituals. She pointed out that cultural preservation should not just be about keeping artifacts, but more importantly about allowing culture to be "understood, participated in, and connected with new generations," which aligns with NCKU's original intention in promoting "Exploring Tainan" and highlights the importance of universities promoting Taiwan Studies and local humanities education.
The forum began with a focus on "Social Practice and Community Partner Sharing," starting from the personal experiences of Tainan citizens to present different practice forms: "Coming of Age at 16 at Home," "in Ancestral Halls," and "in Schools". Moving from a life ritual originally centered on the family to collective participation by clans, communities, and schools, the venue and form of coming-of-age ceremonies have continuously transformed, reflecting shifts in family structures, educational systems, and local social relationships. First-hand experiences from local participants brought folklore research back from historical documents into real life.
The subsequent cultural forum featured cross-disciplinary scholars engaging in dialogue from various perspectives. Research Specialist Chih-Chang Chen of the NCKU Exploring Tainan Office observed the "Coming of Age at 16" ceremony from a historical perspective; Prof. Cheng-Ta Yang, Chair Professor of the NCKU Department of Psychology and Director of CHASS, introduced the VR interactive experience of "Coming of Age at 16" and innovative applications of Song Jiang Jhen in health promotion based on belief culture and technology; Associate Prof. Pei-Ya Lin of the Center for General Education at Chung Shan Medical University participated in the exchange; and Prof. Cheng-Wei Lin of Edogawa University in Japan shared the "Contemporary Cultural Significance of Taiwan-Japan Coming-of-Age Ceremonies" online, placing Tainan's local customs within a broader East Asian cultural context for comparison and reflection.
During the event, a Southeast Asian Ritual Culture Special Exhibition was held simultaneously at the History Archives. The exhibition featured a Tainan Coming-of-Age-at-16 ceremonial stage setup, Sendai Tanabata display, Song Jiang Jhen weapons, Tiger God sculptures, a world map of coming-of-age rituals, and a VR dynamic experience. Through physical objects, spatial displays, maps, and digital technologies, the coming-of-age ceremony expanded from a single local custom into a window for understanding life rituals and cultural exchanges across different regions, enabling visitors to approach traditional culture in a concrete and multi-sensory way.
How to make a long-standing local custom more than just "preserved," but continuously integrated into contemporary life and connected with different generations, was a central question of the forum and exhibition. NCKU CHASS has long been dedicated to "Taiwan Studies" and "Social Practice," starting from Taiwan's own historical, social, and cultural experiences to continually deepen interactions between the university and local society through interdisciplinary research and field investigations. Beginning with Tainan's local culture, this event connected history, psychology, cultural studies, technology, and community practice, turning culture into a collaborative process of participation, understanding, and re-creation between the university and the community. It is hoped that this event allows more people to rediscover the cultural memories around them while opening up new possibilities for local culture in continuing its inheritance alongside younger generations, community life, and contemporary society.
The event was organized by NCKU CHASS, co-organized by the Department of History, the Department of Psychology, and the Exploring Tainan Office, and brought together the Tainan City Government Cultural Affairs Bureau, the Cultural Resources Administration Office, local ancestral halls, schools, private enterprises, and cultural workers, showcasing a diverse model of cross-disciplinary collaboration between the university and the local community. The forum opened with a performance by the NCKU Song Jiang Jhen team, using body, technique, and live exhibition to transform traditional folk custom from mere text records or research objects into a tangible, shared cultural experience.
Executive Vice President Yuh-Neu Chen of NCKU stated in her opening remarks that Tainan, where NCKU is located, is itself a rich "humanities museum". Religious beliefs, festival rituals, family traditions, and daily life all carry the historical memory accumulated over time in Taiwanese society. "Coming of Age at 16" is not merely a rite of passage; it reveals how families view children's growth, how generations pass down blessings, and how local communities build connections through shared beliefs and rituals. She pointed out that cultural preservation should not just be about keeping artifacts, but more importantly about allowing culture to be "understood, participated in, and connected with new generations," which aligns with NCKU's original intention in promoting "Exploring Tainan" and highlights the importance of universities promoting Taiwan Studies and local humanities education.
The forum began with a focus on "Social Practice and Community Partner Sharing," starting from the personal experiences of Tainan citizens to present different practice forms: "Coming of Age at 16 at Home," "in Ancestral Halls," and "in Schools". Moving from a life ritual originally centered on the family to collective participation by clans, communities, and schools, the venue and form of coming-of-age ceremonies have continuously transformed, reflecting shifts in family structures, educational systems, and local social relationships. First-hand experiences from local participants brought folklore research back from historical documents into real life.
The subsequent cultural forum featured cross-disciplinary scholars engaging in dialogue from various perspectives. Research Specialist Chih-Chang Chen of the NCKU Exploring Tainan Office observed the "Coming of Age at 16" ceremony from a historical perspective; Prof. Cheng-Ta Yang, Chair Professor of the NCKU Department of Psychology and Director of CHASS, introduced the VR interactive experience of "Coming of Age at 16" and innovative applications of Song Jiang Jhen in health promotion based on belief culture and technology; Associate Prof. Pei-Ya Lin of the Center for General Education at Chung Shan Medical University participated in the exchange; and Prof. Cheng-Wei Lin of Edogawa University in Japan shared the "Contemporary Cultural Significance of Taiwan-Japan Coming-of-Age Ceremonies" online, placing Tainan's local customs within a broader East Asian cultural context for comparison and reflection.
During the event, a Southeast Asian Ritual Culture Special Exhibition was held simultaneously at the History Archives. The exhibition featured a Tainan Coming-of-Age-at-16 ceremonial stage setup, Sendai Tanabata display, Song Jiang Jhen weapons, Tiger God sculptures, a world map of coming-of-age rituals, and a VR dynamic experience. Through physical objects, spatial displays, maps, and digital technologies, the coming-of-age ceremony expanded from a single local custom into a window for understanding life rituals and cultural exchanges across different regions, enabling visitors to approach traditional culture in a concrete and multi-sensory way.
How to make a long-standing local custom more than just "preserved," but continuously integrated into contemporary life and connected with different generations, was a central question of the forum and exhibition. NCKU CHASS has long been dedicated to "Taiwan Studies" and "Social Practice," starting from Taiwan's own historical, social, and cultural experiences to continually deepen interactions between the university and local society through interdisciplinary research and field investigations. Beginning with Tainan's local culture, this event connected history, psychology, cultural studies, technology, and community practice, turning culture into a collaborative process of participation, understanding, and re-creation between the university and the community. It is hoped that this event allows more people to rediscover the cultural memories around them while opening up new possibilities for local culture in continuing its inheritance alongside younger generations, community life, and contemporary society.
The NCKU Song Jiang Jhen team kicked off the event with a traditional formation performance, showcasing the captivating charm of parade formation culture.
In her opening remarks, Executive Vice President Yuh-Neu Chen shared the significant meaning of passing down coming-of-age ritual culture.
Research Specialist Chih-Chang Chen shares the historical context and cultural significance of the "Coming of Age at 16" ceremony.
The exhibition area showcases the sacrificial culture and rituals of Tainan's traditional "Coming of Age at 16" ceremony.
The public stop to view the display of Song Jiang Jhen weapons, gaining a deeper understanding of traditional parade formation culture.
The Research Center for Humanities and Social Sciences at NCKU invited interdisciplinary guests to exchange ideas, jointly presenting the diverse outcomes of coming-of-age ritual culture
