Over the past century, the Saisiyat (賽夏族) people of Hsinchu County have held The Ritual of the Short Black People (矮靈祭) once every two years to commemorate a mythical pygmy race of people whom they are said to have exterminated centuries ago.
The 10-day ceremony, also known as Pasta’ay, will be performed by the Saisiyat in order to express repentance, as well as to continually learn the meaning of forgiveness and peaceful reconciliation.
Although the majority of the ritual will take place in a secret location, the general public is welcome to observe during the last two days on Nov. 8 to Nov. 10. The event is a rare opportunity to witness one of the oldest and most sacred Aboriginal rituals in Taiwan.
Photo: TT
■ The Ritual of the Short Black People (矮靈祭) will take place at Da-ai Festival Ground (大隘矮靈祭場), 331-1, Wufong Township, Hsinchu County (新竹縣五峰鄉 331之1號)
■ The festival will be open to the general public starting from the morning of Nov. 8, ending with a final celebration on Nov. 10
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