On This Day of Gratitude—Making a Wish for Myself: A Mountain, "Mt. Hehuan"

Text and photos by Chen Chi-Hsiang. In recent years, like migratory birds, whenever the autumn air is crisp and clear in winter, I say, "Taiwan, I'm back." The feelings of a wanderer returning to their ancestral homeland are profound; such deep sentiment cannot be described in words. One can only say, "Thank heaven, thank earth, thank this land of Taiwan, give thanks—the Ark promised by Mother, the beautiful treasure island." Embracing my beloved hometown brings immense happiness. My hometown is my source of life energy and existential consciousness, irreplaceable by anything.

Returning to Taiwan at year's end, I always encounter my birthday in this beloved hometown. I treat birthdays as ordinary days, without special celebration; living well is more meaningful than celebrating a birthday. It is extraordinary to spend an unremarkable birthday in the place of my birth. This year marks a special milestone—a full sixty-year cycle. On this day of gratitude, I make a wish for myself: a mountain, "Mt. Hehuan." For existence, this too holds meaning.

"The benevolent find joy in mountains, the wise in water." Indeed, dancing with nature on this beautiful island is natural. I love art, but I love nature more. Mountains and rivers are the life source of Taiwanese people. Natural culture and geographical landscapes shape the local character and traits of Taiwanese. Wishing for a mountain—"Mt. Hehuan"—symbolizes the belief in "Hehuan" (joyous union). In tolerance and openness, one finds natural ease and joy. "Mountain" metaphorically represents the steadiness, deliberation, contemplation, and humility of life's growth ("there are always greater men beyond men, higher mountains beyond mountains"). On this day of gratitude, it serves as personal aspiration for existence and heartfelt blessing.