By Leo R. Maliksi /Taiwan news, Staff Writer
The Thao, the indigenous people of Sun Moon Lake, is the smallest of Taiwan's tribal groups-numbering only 500. Historically categorized as a sub-group of the Tsou tribe or as one of Taiwan's assimilated Pingpu (Plains) tribes, extensive academic research finally recognized the Thao as Taiwan's tenth official indigenous tribe in 2001.
"Ita Thao" (I am a person) is how the Thao call themselves. According to their tradition, Thao ancestors discovered Sun Moon Lake after tirelessly chasing after a white stallion The hunting party was overwhelmed by the beauty of the area and the abundance of its forest and lake that the entire tribe decided to settle on its tranquil shores.
Religious ceremonies
The Thao wielded power over their territory which covered the lands of their six main settlements-Yuchih, Maolan, Shueishe, Shihyin, Maopu and Toushe But by the middle of the 19th century,
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The Sakura Festival features the spring
rites of the aboriginal peoples, the lighting
of the ceremonial lamp to welcome the
god of fire and traditional dance
performances./Photo courtesy of
Formosan aboriginal cultural village |
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incursions by Chinese from the plains and epidemics and diseases caused a sharp decline in their numbers and relocation away from Sun Moon Lake.
Ancestor worship stands at the heart of Thao religious beliefs Articles of clothing belonging to ancestors are kept in a "spirit basket" and worshipped. This act symbolizes the eternal communion of the Thao people with their forebears. The "spirit basket" is unique to the Thao who continue to perform annual rituals handed down by their ancestors. Some important festivals are: Tilling Festival (February), Seedling Festival (March), Weeding Festival (May to June), Hunting and Baiman Festivals (July) and the all-important Annual Harvest Festival (August), the traditional start of the Thao New Year.
Thao New Year festivities depends on whether it is a "major" or a "minor" year. A "major" year is declared if a ceremonies chief was chosen. In this case, ceremonies and celebrations often stretch over half a month and often reach their climax soon after the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival.
Religious rites are performed by a female high priest. During the night of the "final drinking" ceremony, the Thao follow instructions given by their ancestors and engage in raucous performances of dancing, singing and well wishing. The evening air is flooded with song and the exploding firecrackers.
Formosan Aboriginal Cultural Village
The Formosan Aboriginal Cultural Village is a theme park located 8 km east of Sun Moon Lake. It offers a variety of educational and recreational activities for the entire family. The Village blends exhibitions of indigenous culture, traditions and art with a theme park filled with thrilling rides and entertainment.
The Village abounds in cherry trees and manicured lawns. The story of Taiwan's indigenous peoples is told through reconstructions of their dwellings and ways of life and regular performances of dance and song.
The Shuishalien European Garden is well-maintained and visitors could take a stroll around it after enjoying the amusements in the Village.
In January this year, the Sakura Festival featured the spring rites of the aboriginal peoples, the lighting of the ceremonial lamp to welcome the god of fire and traditional dance performances.
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