Why Is Taiwan Called Formosa?
Taiwan, an island nation located in East Asia, has a rich history and a unique cultural identity. One of the fascinating aspects of Taiwan is its alternative name, “Formosa.” This article explores the origins of this name and sheds light on its historical significance.
Formosa, a name derived from Portuguese, means “beautiful” or “good-looking” in English. The question arises: why was Taiwan referred to as Formosa by the Portuguese explorers during the 16th century? To understand this, we need to delve into the history of Taiwan and its interactions with the Western world.
During the Age of Exploration, European nations embarked on voyages to discover new lands and establish trade routes. Portugal, a maritime power at that time, was one of the first European countries to reach the shores of Taiwan. In 1544, Portuguese sailors, led by Fernão Mendes Pinto, arrived at the island. Impressed by its lush and picturesque landscapes, they named it “Ilha Formosa,” meaning “beautiful island.”
The name Formosa gained popularity among European explorers and cartographers, leading to its widespread usage on maps and documents. However, it is important to note that the Portuguese never established a significant presence in Taiwan, and their influence on the island was limited. Nonetheless, the name Formosa stuck and became a way to refer to Taiwan among the Westerners.
Over time, the name Formosa became synonymous with Taiwan in Western literature and discourse. However, the usage of this name declined after the Dutch East India Company took control of Taiwan in the early 17th century. The Dutch referred to the island as “Tayouan,” the name of a local indigenous tribe. Subsequently, Taiwan came under Chinese rule, and it was referred to by its Mandarin name, Taiwan, within the Chinese-speaking world.
The re-emergence of the name Formosa occurred during the late 19th century when Taiwan was ceded to Japan after the First Sino-Japanese War. The Japanese colonial government revived the name Formosa, which was familiar to Westerners, to promote their administration and attract foreign investment. Under Japanese rule, Taiwan experienced significant economic development and modernization, leading to increased interactions with the Western world.
After World War II, when Taiwan was handed over to the Republic of China government, the name Formosa continued to be used interchangeably with Taiwan, particularly by English speakers. It was a way to differentiate the island from mainland China, which was under communist rule. However, with the normalization of relations between the People’s Republic of China and Western countries during the 1970s, the usage of Formosa gradually declined, and Taiwan became the universally recognized name for the island.
FAQs about the Name Formosa
1. Is Formosa the official name of Taiwan?
No, Formosa is not the official name of Taiwan. Taiwan is the official name used by the Taiwanese government and recognized internationally.
2. Why did the Portuguese name Taiwan Formosa?
The Portuguese explorers were captivated by the island’s natural beauty, leading them to name it “Ilha Formosa” or “beautiful island” in English.
3. When was Taiwan first referred to as Formosa?
The name Formosa was first used by Portuguese sailors in 1544 when they arrived on the island.
4. Why did the name Formosa decline in usage?
The Dutch East India Company and subsequent Chinese and Japanese rule led to the decline of the name Formosa. Taiwan was referred to by different names during these periods.
5. Did the Japanese revive the name Formosa?
Yes, during the Japanese colonial period, the name Formosa was revived by the Japanese government to promote their administration and appeal to Westerners.
6. When did Taiwan become the widely recognized name for the island?
After World War II, when Taiwan was handed over to the Republic of China government, the name Taiwan became widely recognized.
7. Is the name Formosa still used today?
The usage of the name Formosa has significantly declined, and Taiwan is now the universally recognized name for the island. However, some historical references and older literature still use the name Formosa.