2022 marks the year of the Tiger in the Chinese zodiac. To herald the arrival of this auspicious year and extend heartfelt Lunar New Year blessings, the Pingtung County Government in Taiwan meticulously crafted special New Year’s tokens and red envelopes, symbolizing wishes for a peaceful, auspicious, and successful year ahead for the residents of the county.

In Mandarin, the word for “amulet” bears a resemblance to the term for “Tiger.” Combining these two symbols of good fortune, the concept of the “Tiger Amulet” was born. Each of these amulets contained a 10 New Taiwan dollar coin, signifying the bestowal of wealth and prosperity.

While the customary New Year practice in the Asian community had been to include a one-dollar coin, the county mayor made a thoughtful decision to elevate the benefit for the people, especially targeting low-income households and the elderly residing in care centers. Consequently, the value was elevated to ten dollars, signifying an increased gesture of goodwill and prosperity.

The innovative “Tiger Amulet” swiftly garnered a reputation for its ingenuity, leading to the production of an impressive 120 thousand pieces. All of these uniquely crafted “Tiger Amulets” were made accessible to the public free of charge, spreading joy and festivity throughout the community in celebration of the auspicious year of the Tiger.

Over time, long after the year of the Tiger had come to an end, the “Tiger Amulet” continued to be revered as a sacred talisman. It was suspended from rearview mirrors in cars, prominently displayed in living rooms, or carried by individuals wherever they went. More than just a temporary offering, the “Tiger Amulet” became a cherished keepsake, symbolizing a lifelong tribute to all the blessings and prosperity in one’s journey.

In recent years, Pingtung’s design capabilities have greatly enhanced, with the success of various design activities such as the Taiwan Lantern Festival and Taiwan Design Expo. These achievements, including Tiger Amulet, not only show that Pingtung is a large agricultural county, but also a place rich in characteristics and cultures.