清代台湾嚼食槟榔习俗探析

Analysis on the Custom of Chewing Areca in Taiwan in the Qing Dynasty

台湾嚼食槟榔的文化习俗源于明清。清代大陆移民进入台湾，嚼食槟榔渐成时尚，种植槟榔以获利已成为农家经济的一部分。槟榔既是民间礼尚往来之信物，也是解决纠纷的中介物，成为台湾乡村文化生活不可或缺的组成部分。

The practice of chewing areca in Taiwan was originated in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. After the inpour of immigrants from the mainland in the Qing Dynasty, chewing areca was gradually fashionable, and planting areca became a part of its agricultural economy too. Areca is not only the keepsake of courtesy demands reciprocity, but also the intermediate of adjusting a dispute, thus areca being part and parcel of Taiwan＇s rural culture and life.