1️⃣ Exhibit Name
“Chia You” Encouragement Sign (Chinese: 加油)
The universal “加油” (add oil – keep fighting) sign, written in bold colorful letters. Used throughout the game, especially when the team is behind.
2️⃣ Collection & Image
Figure 1. “Chia You” Sign – Camera Photo Style
A fan holding a bright sign reading “加油” in large red letters, cheering during a close game.
3️⃣ Gallery Location
Fan Culture Wing › Signs Hall › Taiwan Gallery
4️⃣ Exhibit Background
The “Chia You” (加油) encouragement sign is the most universal and frequently seen sign in Taiwanese baseball. The phrase “加油” (jiā yóu) literally means “add oil” – an idiomatic expression meaning “keep fighting,” “do your best,” or “hang in there.” Unlike English phrases like “Good luck” (passive) or “Go team!” (generic), “加油” carries an active sense of effort and perseverance. The sign appears throughout the game, but it is especially common when the home team is losing or struggling. It is a sign of unconditional support – fans telling the players to keep trying, regardless of the score.
The tradition of using “加油” in sports dates back to the 1960s, but its visual form as a fan sign became widespread in the 1980s as CPBL (Chinese Professional Baseball League) grew. Today, “加油” signs are made in countless styles – from simple black marker on cardboard to elaborate, multi‑colored banners with team logos and mascots.
5️⃣ Period & Location
- Period: 1980s – present
- Location: Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) stadiums, youth baseball tournaments, international competitions (e.g., WBSC Premier12, World Baseball Classic)
6️⃣ Material & Dimensions
- Material: Cardboard, foam board, cloth, plastic – any material fans can find
- Dimensions: Highly variable – from small 8″ × 10″ (20 cm × 25 cm) handheld signs to large 3′ × 5′ (90 cm × 150 cm) banners
- Lettering: Bold red, blue, or black characters, often with team colors and decorative elements (stars, baseballs, flags)
Figure 2. “Chia You” Sign – Pop Art Style
A vibrant pop‑art rendering of the “加油” sign, with bold colors, halftone dots, and comic‑style energy.
7️⃣ Narrative Story
The Meaning of “Add Oil”
The term “加油” originated from the practice of adding oil to a steam engine to keep it running. Metaphorically, it means to supply energy and encouragement to someone who is working hard. In baseball, “加油” is shouted from the stands, printed on towels, and painted on signs. It is the single most recognized phrase in Taiwanese sports culture.
The Visual Evolution
Early “加油” signs were simple – black marker on white cardboard. As CPBL became more professional in the 1990s, fans began using team colors, glitter, and cartoon mascots. Some signs include the player’s number or a small baseball diamond drawn next to the text. During the 2000s, “加油” signs became more artistic, with calligraphy, airbrushed gradients, and even LED lights.
The Sign During Losing Streaks
When the home team is losing badly, “加油” signs multiply. Unlike American signs that might express frustration (e.g., “We Want a Hit!”), Taiwanese fans rarely show anger toward their own players. Instead, they double down on encouragement. During the 2016 CPBL season, when the Uni‑Lions lost 10 consecutive games, the stands were filled with “加油” signs – a quiet, defiant act of loyalty.
International Recognition
During the World Baseball Classic and Olympics, Taiwanese fans bring “加油” signs to international stadiums. The phrase has become a symbol of Taiwanese baseball identity. In the 2023 WBC, a fan’s large “加油” banner was shown on the jumbotron, and the phrase trended on Twitter in Taiwan.
Think About It
- How does the “加油” sign differ from an American “Let’s go!” sign? What does the literal meaning (“add oil”) add?
- Why do Taiwanese fans use encouragement even when the team is losing badly, rather than expressing frustration?
- How has the visual design of “加油” signs evolved over time, and what does that say about the relationship between fandom and popular art?
Figure 3 :“Chia You” Sign – Kalamkari Style
A hand‑painted textile using natural dyes, depicting the “加油” sign within intricate floral and mythological motifs typical of Kalamkari art, blending Taiwanese encouragement with Indian craftsmanship.
8️⃣ Current Status & Applications
- Status: The “加油” sign is ubiquitous in every CPBL stadium, from little league to professional games. It is also common at non‑baseball sporting events.
- Applications: Teams sell official “加油” towels and fans create digital “加油” banners for social media profiles. The hashtag #加油 is used millions of times during CPBL season.
- Suggested companion exhibits: Display alongside “Hōng bù hóng” question sign and “An la!” hit cheer sign.
9️⃣ Significance & Educational Value
- Significance: The “加油” sign represents the cultural value of perseverance (gàn jìn) in Taiwanese society. It shows that fandom is not just about winning – it is about supporting effort regardless of outcome.
- Educational value: Encourages visitors to compare how different cultures express encouragement – active, effort‑based (Taiwan) vs. luck‑based or victory‑focused (other cultures).
🔟 References
- The meaning of “jiayou” in Chinese culture. Taiwan Cultural Studies, 2015.
- CPBL fan sign traditions. Chinese Professional Baseball League official guide, 2019.
- “Add oil” – a linguistic journey. United Daily News, 2017.
- Visual evolution of fan signs. National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, 2020.