In Taiwan: a dead man’s concubines

We were on our way to Yehliu in northeast Taiwan when we stopped at an intersection to give way to a funeral procession. We crowded in front of the bus and started taking photos through the windshield. Of course, the costumed figures stood out. I asked the tour guide what they represented and she said each figure represented one concubine.

There are five figures visible and another is partly hidden between those with green and orange flowers on their heads. I commented that that was a lot of concubines and the tour guide said it was a rich man’s funeral. So, the number of concubines was proportional to a man’s wealth?

I didn’t ask anymore. I’ve long ago learned that cultures will always differ and it isn’t wise to judge another based on the standards of one’s own culture. I used to smirk when I read about widows in India setting themselves on fire after their husband’s death but I don’t anymore. I mean, it’s not like monogamy — imposed by Christianity — guarantees the best and most stable society. So, live and let live.

In the archive

• Ayala Land’s Greenfield Estates
• Under the sea in Puerto Galera
• Sunset in Puerto Galera
• Panay Church on Good Friday
• Inside Jojo’s Christmas Cottage
• Bangus harvest in Roxas City
• A Cory Aquino painting and some Faberge eggs
• Dragons, crocodiles and artists
• The Boracay experience
• Six days, six nights