Zhongpu Jiabin Cultural Center Introduction
From Betel Nut's Identity in Zhishu As times change, perspectives on things often change and are redefined. In Zhongpu, Chiayi, there grows an agricultural product that has remained lush for centuries, yet its identity has drastically shifted: the betel nut. Once considered a prestigious gift, it is now viewed as a source of litter and a culprit of many diseases. Along the roads in the mountainous areas of Zhongpu, betel nut palm trees can be seen everywhere. Though they have been growing for hundreds of years, the interpretations of their significance have varied greatly. Opening an old "Zhuluo County Chronicle" from the Qing Dynasty, it states regarding betel nut: “Indigenous betel nut is of no use for hunger; it is said to dispel miasma; it is preferred for entertaining guests over tea and wine. Villagers may scorn it, but the larger ones are reserved for local gatherings, while the smaller ones are used for the betel nut. A hundred coins spent, quelling the grievances of two families for one morning; some items are deemed useless yet are seen as useful, this belongs to that category.” This passage elucidates the reason why betel nut holds a significant place in Taiwan's history, particularly due to Taiwan's humid climate and the belief in its miasma-dispelling properties, and its role as an important gift for guests, as well as a betrothal gift. The text also includes a depiction of indigenous people harvesting betel nuts. In the past, betel nuts were usually just planted in a few spots around homes. The "Zhuluo County Chronicle" notes that “many betel nuts are planted around the house; Xinyun, Xiaolung, Madou, and Mujialiwan are the most prominent,” indicating they were not mass-planted. In recent decades, large-scale cultivation of betel nuts began in Taiwan. Why have rural areas started to view betel nuts as an economic crop? Primarily due to the low labor demand for cultivating betel palms, they are more manageable for the increasingly aging farmers. Additionally, with Taiwan’s economic boom, and the demand for labor in construction, chewing betel nuts became a labor requirement, further expanding its cultivation. In the mountains of Zhongpu, betel nuts wave high, representing the economic foundation for the people of Zhongpu. However, faced with the current confusion surrounding betel nuts’ identity, the people of Zhongpu are beginning to transition. After all, the beautiful mountains and waters also represent potential recreational routes for future development in Zhongpu. Telling the Story of Betel, Welcoming Guests in a Small House Along Provincial Highway 3 and Chiayi County Highway 135, in an important administrative area of Zhongpu, stands a small Chiayi Betel Culture Museum, located near the library, agricultural association, and town hall. In contrast to the towering buildings nearby, it appears quite diminutive and could easily be overlooked. This building was originally constructed as a temporary office following the 921 earthquake in 1999. After fulfilling its initial purpose, it was left idle for some time before being transformed into a public activity center in Zhongpu, originally intended to serve as a center for the exhibition and sale of agricultural products. However, due to the lack of cultural spaces in Zhongpu, it was repurposed into the Chiayi Betel Culture Museum. The name "Chiayi Betel" signifies not only the round green gold industry of Zhongpu: betel nut, but also conveys the meaning of "welcoming guests," inviting everyone to come and appreciate the introduction to Zhongpu’s recreational industry and special exhibitions organized by artists, serving as a platform for exchange, where culture can be applied and transformed diversely. The house may be small, but that’s okay; what matters is the warmth and hospitality. As a local cultural center, it primarily starts from the point of revitalizing usage. The Chiayi Betel Culture Museum has explored the industry’s past through old photographs, documenting changes in Zhongpu’s industry over time. In local resident Huang Chao-chuan and Luo Bao-lin's initiated Stone and Tree Art Exhibition, it provides a natural green environment; it has also invited photographer Hsu Shao-tang to return home for a photography exhibition showcasing the beauty of his hometown through his lens; moreover, members of the Evergreen Academy cheerfully exhibit their recent painting achievements in this space. Although these exhibitions may not be large in scale, they are concrete accumulations belonging to the local community. Step by Step, Accumulating Progress First, the focus is on being accepted by the local community, establishing a base for regional culture and everyday life. Next, efforts will be made to improve the facilities, which could serve as a place to provide information and services for tourists from other areas in the future. Close to the development of the Chiayi Betel Culture Museum is Hsu Zhang-min, who formerly served as the general manager of the Zhongpu Agricultural Association and initially worked as the secretary to the township office, having many ideas about developing Zhongpu and being skilled in leisure tourism. Known as Brother Min, he hopes that the nature and industry of Zhongpu can become a part of modern travel experiences. Though promoting this requires great effort and is not easy, we can hope that the Chiayi Betel Culture Museum can grow to be a beloved small cultural space for the people of Zhongpu, integrating industry and leisure into a lovely small base. A County Rich in Green and Cultural Power Perhaps a leisurely stroll in Zhongpu to enjoy the beauty of the green mountains; or maybe riding a bicycle, exercising among the hills; or driving in to enjoy the bountiful agricultural products... the future development requires continuous effort. We hope that the culture in Zhongpu can flourish like agriculture, slowly cultivating into a beautiful garden where the whole county is green, showcasing cultural vitality and life force.
