Half Well
Even though the Half Well already dried up today, its existence indicates the caring passion, generosity and helping of Lukang people. There are many things that we can learn from.The origin of Half Well
(Figure 1) The facade of three graceful locust trees.
Only rich families were able to dig a well at home in the past. In order to share water with the poor, the owner of Half Well constructed the well half inside his fence for family use, and another half outside of his fence for other people to share.
Why is it named “three graceful locust trees”?
(Figure 2) Photo with the owner of the three graceful locust trees, Master Kang-shou Wang.
“Three graceful locust trees” was the house slogan created by the Wang family. The family planted three locust trees in their garden in its early stage, and hoped these trees could be used to make chair and sedan when their descendants accomplished both success and fame. That why the house is called “The house of three locust trees”. A “Hui-mu chair” was a specific chair for a prime minister. The Wang descendant finally lived up to expectations, and became a prime minister. The slogan “Three graceful locust trees” was established to honor this glory.
The three graceful locust trees is not opened for tourists to visit in order to maintain their original appearance, so many tourists cannot see the courtyard of these three locusts with their own eyes. In order to share this one and only one experience, we decided to show everyone the inside appearance of this century-old edifice.
Postscript
(Figure 3)The Half Well.
The Half Well not only teaches us the meaning of sharing, but also tells us the thick warmth and human kindness of helping each other.Unfortunately, we saw some tourists arbitrarily throw their garbage into the well when we were visiting there. We hope others can express their public-spiritedness to care and protect it together.
