Welcome everyone to this very special week of posts! Just a reminder that this week will feature two smaller posts, as I am preparing to travel over the National Day holiday here in Taiwan. First, I want to discuss a unique tradition across the Sinosphere that holds important implications for anyone moving to Taiwan: seals (or chops). You may encounter them in various situations, such as when signing legal documents or opening a bank account. While it is becoming increasingly optional for foreigners to acquire them, I believe anyone moving to Taiwan should have one made (can be produced cheaply or expensively) with their Chinese name.
Seals, or chops, are an integral part of Chinese culture and have been used for centuries to authenticate documents, mark ownership, and symbolize status. They are often carved from stone, jade, or wood and feature intricate designs or inscriptions. Their use is deeply ingrained across the Sinosphere, and they are often considered essential for formal and official transactions. The tradition of using seals has been passed down through generations, and they remain an important part of local culture in Taiwan to this day.
I’m absolutely in love with the idea of Chinese seals. It’s such a beautiful way to connect with a rich tradition and add a personal touch to everything you do. I also think it’s a wonderful way to show respect for the past and maintain a connection to traditional Chinese culture. Unfortunately, I was in a bit of a rush when I got my seal made, so I opted for a more affordable wooden option instead of a fancy stone or jade one. Even though it’s not as luxurious, I still think it’s a lovely piece that I will hold on to long after I leave Taiwan. (Although, honestly I’ll probably replace it with a nicer one)
Now, acquiring one of these is a rather straightforward process that can be done immediately after arrival if a shop is open. When I first arrived I didn’t really know how to search for a shop that can make seals, as most of the place names on Google Maps are in Chinese in Taiwan. However, I eventually discovered that if you search for a ‘locksmith’, then you’re bound to find a place that also makes seals as the equipment for cutting keys can also be used to produce them. Pricing can vary dramatically, with my simple wooden seal costing about NT$60 ($2) while a fancy jade seal could cost over NT$1200 (and take a week to make).
In a few days, I’ll be covering one of the things you can do with your new seal: getting a Taiwanese bank account. But just to give you a hint, it involves dot matrix printers and lots of paperwork (seeing a theme here in Taiwanese bureaucracy?). Until then, thank you for reading this week’s shorter posts; I’m so excited to announce the first travel destination in Taiwan I’ll cover on this blog in two weeks.
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