Tainan 400 - Rising from the Pages of Time

Christmas Tree in The Spring, Tainan, Taiwan

Tainan 400 - Rising from the Pages of Time

This year's Christmas tree celebration is in perfect harmony with the "Tainan 400" event series. Tainan, now four centuries strong, traces its roots back to the Dutch East India Company's construction of the bustling city of Anping, known as Melancholia, in the year 1624. As we fast forward to 2024, Tainan will proudly reach its remarkable 400-year milestone. Over the centuries, this vibrant city has witnessed the flourishing of the Siraya indigenous people, the arrival of Han Chinese pioneers, the reign of the Dutch, the dynamic eras of the Ming and Cheng Dynasties, the majestic Qing Dynasty, and even the influence of Japanese rule. But the true magic of Tainan's history unfurled four centuries ago, when the city was borne by the sea, with intrepid sailing ships, marking a remarkable prelude to its storied legacy.

Over the past 400 years, this land has born witness to numerous memories and crafted a distinct identity for this city. Just like the Christmas tree standing proudly next to the Tainan Canal, which was completed in 1926 during the Japanese colonial period. The historical essence of the city has silently documented every nook, from the sea to the canal, while also stirring a multitude of hopes and blessings.

The Christmas tree incorporates imagery of sails and waves, with its white and silver elements reflecting the ever-changing day and night scenes, mirroring the dynamic transformations happening around the tree. The golden ribbon-like waves symbolize the glory and strength witnessed over these 400 years. It is our hope that, in this moment of Tainan's 400-year history, we can draw upon more strength and hope to continue unfurling the history of the next 400 years.