Male villagers

Mangegen

Dance of Hair

      The period from March to June is the season for the Tao people, who live on the small island of Lanyu off the east coast of Taitung County, to catch flying fish. It is also the time that the ceremony of Mivawa (Flying Fish) is held to pray for a bountiful catch. Village elders select the exact date for Mivawa at the beginning of March every year. On the chosen day, some delicately and beautifully carved canoes are arrayed along the beach. Male villagers wearing traditional T-pants and silver helmets make inviting gestures toward the sea in a bid to attract the flying fish. Then they paint pebbles on the beach with the blood of pigs or chickens. This solemn ritual symbolizes the hope that the harvest of fish will endure as long as the stones.

      The fishing boat is both an important living tool and a valuable asset for the Tao people. Thus, when construction of a new boat is completed, a grand launching ceremony is held to pray for a safe journey and bountiful catch. The unique mode of Tao boats can be divided into large and small one, ornately carved and plain one. For the maiden voyage of large and ornately carved boats, it is necessary to hold a grand ceremony called "Mangegen." The ceremonies start with the preparation of taro and feeding of pigs as gift for the invited guests. Upon their arrival, the invited guests extend their best wishes to the host. Afterward, the pigs are butchered and cut into slices to be presented to the guests. The activities reach a climax with the launching ceremony.

      When launching the boat, the captain wields a long knife in the air to expel evil spirits. The crew villagers make fierce expressions, shake their fists with force, and shout loudly in order to drive away evils altogether. The villagers assemble from every direction and make the same movements. They beat the boat fiercely, lift it up, and throw it into the air several times. After that, they lift the boat together and move toward the sea with fierce expressions on their faces. One fish is hung on the boat to symbolize good fortune and harvest after one week sailing on the sea. Afterward, a chicken placed at the stern is butchered as an offering to the holy spirits of the boat for safety and protection on the seas.

      June is the time for harvesting taro, sweet potato, millet, and flying fish. In the past, every Tao family would hold a small "Mivaci" (Harvest Ritual) to express their appreciation to the ancestors and to pray for a good harvest in the coming year. Nowadays, the ritual has transformed into a grand Mivaci held by the whole village. The duration of the ritual has been shortened from a week to one or two days, which are mainly composed of singing and dancing activities. The dance of "Threshing Millets" is performed by males of three generations, which symbolizes the passing of skills from generation to generation in endless succession. The "Dance of Planting" and the "Dance of High Hat" are performed by elderly and young females, which present the virtues and diligence of Tao women. The "Dance of Hair" performed by females waving their long hair in the wind gives the appearance of beautiful black waves. The "Dance of Warriors" performed by the young men of the village is the final climax of the ceremony, with loud singing and vigorous dance movements.

Dance of Wariors

Dance of Hair

Threshing Millets