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Hyperbole is always meant to be taken literally.
Introduction to Poetic DevicesComma UsageThe hardest languageThe hardest job in the worldThe Harvest BirdsAre you feeling adventurous? Then spread your wings and travel km southeast of Taiwan, where you'll discover a part of the country unlike any other. Known as Lanyu* or Orchid Island, this tiny drop of earth in the Pacific* is home to the Tao*, Taiwan's only ocean-dependent indigenous* tribe. The Tao people are the people of the "alibangbang*," or flying fish, one of Mother Nature's greatest gifts. The annual flying fish season is at the heart of Tao culture and comes with many traditions and taboos. Spanning around eight months of the year, the flying fish season involves multiple customs and rituals. A special religious ceremony, usually held in February, marks the beginning of this important period and ensures a prosperous and plentiful season. Tao boat captains head to the beach with elaborate costumes on. There, they pray and make sacrifices to appeal to the flying fish spirits to bless their tribe, and to the gods for good fortune and courage on the dangerous seas. Although local fishers can catch flying fish between March and June, they are restricted to capturing only those found in shallow waters. During this period, netting* any deep-sea or coral reef fish is not permitted. If the fishers didn't follow this rule, various species would not have the time needed to recover their numbers, and harmony with nature would be lost. At the end of June, the annual sea harvest concludes with another ceremony to express gratitude and respect for nature's endless* cycles. After the ceremony, flying fish can no longer be caught. Therefore, from July onward*, only dried and stored alibangbang can be eaten. Furthermore, after the Mid-Autumn Festival*, even these dried fish must no longer be consumed. This custom seems to have been engraved in the locals’ hearts* and is believed to prevent ill luck and guarantee abundance in seasons to come. Just as the locals are concluding their scaly* harvest for the year, scores of tourists begin arriving on Lanyu for the summer season. To make sure you don't feel like a fish out of water, here are some basic guidelines to help you enjoy your stay while respecting local traditions. First, it is considered a taboo to touch or photograph the Tao fishing boats without permission since it would bring bad luck. Also, you should never enter locals’ private gardens uninvited* to view or sample drying fish. Additionally, avoid asking about future fishing trips, as locals believe that the gods may be angered and that the harvest may be spoiled as a consequence. Finally, as a sign of respect for the local community and environment, don't snorkel* or dive in the island's traditional fishing waters during the flying fish season. Such activities can disturb the local ecosystem. The customs and taboos mentioned above reflect the importance of preserving and cherishing natural resources and local culture. The ancient wisdom of Lanyu’s Tao inhabitants thus appears to give us much to learn about living in harmony with this planet. Everyone is, after all, in the same boat under nature's wing.Harvest the Benefits The Little Red Hen One day, a little red hen wanted some yummy bread. First, she had to plant lots of tiny wheat seeds. “Will you help me plant wheat seeds?” she asked her animal friends. “No way,” said the sleepy cat, busy dog, and chewing cow. “Then I’ll do it myself,” said the little red hen. And she did. Next, she had to harvest all the tall wheat. “Will you help me harvest the wheat?” she asked her animal friends. “No way,” said the sleepy cat, busy dog, and chewing cow. “Then I’ll do it myself,” said the little red hen. And she did. Then, she had to grind the wheat into flour. “Will you help me grind the wheat into flour?” she asked her animal friends. “No way,” said the sleepy cat, busy dog, and chewing cow. “Then I’ll do it myself,” said the little red hen. And she did. Finally, she baked the yummy bread. The yummy smell went all over the farm. “I’d like a piece!” said the sleepy cat, busy dog, and chewing cow. “No way. You didn’t help. I’ll eat it myself,” said the little red hen. And she did.