Tales from the East: A Halloween Collection

The Hopping Vampire

Unlike the vampires of Western folklore, the Chinese hopping vampire, known as Jiāng Shī (殭屍), doesn't have sharp fangs or transform into a bat. Instead, it moves by hopping stiffly with its arms stretched straight out in front of it!

According to Chinese folklore, a Jiāng Shī is a reanimated corpse, often dressed in the traditional robes of a Qing Dynasty official. Its body has become so stiff that it cannot walk normally, leaving it no choice but to hop around in search of the living.

Legend has it that Jiāng Shī feed on the life energy, or qi, of living people. But there are ways to protect yourself! Taoist priests are said to control or stop them using special yellow paper talismans inscribed with magical symbols.

And here's the fun part: in classic Hong Kong hopping vampire movies, holding your breath could keep a Jiāng Shī from detecting you!

For generations of children growing up in Taiwan and Hong Kong, these hopping vampires were both terrifying and unforgettable. Many of us probably practiced holding our breath after watching those movies, just in case we ever encountered one!

Luckily, our little Jiāng Shī has traded his appetite for life energy for something much sweeter. 🍪

The Tiger Auntie

Long before Halloween became popular in Taiwan, children were already growing up with their own terrifying bedtime stories. And few were as unforgettable as Hǔ Gū Pó  (虎姑婆), the Tiger Auntie.

According to Taiwanese folklore, Hǔ Gū Pó  is a tiger who disguises herself as a kindly old woman, hoping to trick unsuspecting children into letting her inside their homes.

In one popular version of the tale, two sisters are left home alone while their mother is away. A mysterious old woman appears at their door, claiming to be their aunt. Despite their mother's warnings about strangers, the children eventually let her in.

But something isn't quite right.

The old woman's hands are unusually rough, her voice sounds strange, and when night falls, her true identity begins to reveal itself.

As the children lie in bed, the older sister hears a disturbing crunching sound. When she asks what the old woman is eating, Hǔ Gū Pó  offers an innocent-sounding excuse.

Soon, the older sister realizes the horrifying truth: the visitor is no ordinary aunt, but a hungry tiger who has already devoured her younger sister!

Using her cleverness, the older sister eventually finds a way to escape and defeat the monster.

For generations, Taiwanese parents have told this story to remind children not to trust strangers or open the door when home alone.

Of course, the story also left plenty of children afraid of mysterious noises in the middle of the night!

But don't worry. Our little Tiger Auntie is much sweeter than the one from the story. And this time, you get to take a bite out of her instead! 🍪

The Legendary Ghost Hunter

Not all supernatural beings are meant to frighten us. Some are believed to protect us from the very things we fear.

Meet Zhōng Kuí (鍾馗), one of the most famous ghost hunters in Chinese folklore.

According to a popular legend, Zhōng Kuí was a brilliant scholar during the Táng Dynasty. Despite his extraordinary intelligence and success in the imperial examinations, he was denied recognition because of his frightening appearance.

Heartbroken and furious over the injustice, Zhōng Kuí took his own life.

But his story didn't end there.

Recognizing his talent and strong sense of justice, the ruler of the underworld appointed Zhōng Kuí as a powerful guardian responsible for capturing evil spirits and keeping troublesome ghosts under control.

Another famous legend tells of Emperor Xuán Zōng of the Táng Dynasty, who fell seriously ill and dreamed of a terrifying little demon stealing his belongings.

Suddenly, a fierce-looking man appeared, seized the demon, and devoured it!

When the emperor asked who he was, the mysterious figure introduced himself as Zhōng Kuí.

After awakening, the emperor recovered and ordered a portrait of Zhōng Kuí to be painted. His fierce image eventually became a popular symbol of protection against evil spirits.

Even today, Zhōng Kuí is often depicted with a thick beard, an intimidating expression, and a sword ready to chase away demons.

His portraits are traditionally displayed in homes and businesses to ward off misfortune.

He may look frightening, but don't let that fierce expression fool you. Zhōng Kuí is actually one of the good guys!

And our cookie version? He's far too delicious to scare anyone. 🍪

The Guardians of the Underworld

If you've ever attended a traditional temple festival in Taiwan, you may have encountered two unforgettable figures: one unusually tall and thin, the other short and stout.

Meet Qī Yé and Bā Yé (七爺八爺), also known as the Black and White Impermanence (黑白無常), two legendary guardians associated with the underworld.

In Taiwanese folk religion, they are often known as General Xiè (謝將軍) and General Fàn (范將軍). They serve as divine officers who escort wandering souls, capture troublesome spirits, and maintain order between the worlds of the living and the dead.

But behind their intimidating appearances lies a touching story of friendship and loyalty.

According to a popular legend, Xiè Bì’ān (謝必安) and Fàn Wú jiù (范無救) were close friends who promised to remain loyal to each other.

One day, while traveling together, they were caught in a sudden rainstorm.

Xiè, the taller of the two, went to find an umbrella, promising to return. Fàn stayed behind beneath a bridge, waiting for his friend.

But the rain grew heavier, and the river began to rise.

Rather than break his promise and leave, Fàn remained beneath the bridge until the floodwaters swept him away.

When Xiè finally returned and discovered what had happened, he was overcome with grief. Unable to bear the loss of his friend, he took his own life.

Moved by their extraordinary loyalty, the ruler of the underworld appointed them as guardians, allowing the two friends to remain together even after death.

Today, Qī Yé and Bā Yé are familiar figures in Taiwanese temple processions, often represented by towering ceremonial costumes and elaborate face paint.

Although their appearances may seem frightening, they are respected as protectors who maintain justice and order in the spirit world.

Two loyal friends, one legendary partnership, and a friendship that even death couldn't separate.

Our cookie versions are a little less intimidating, though. They're here to bring you good luck, not escort you to the underworld! 🍪

Not every ghost is here to haunt you. Some are here to protect you, some have stories to tell, and a few might just be hungry...