Xiang Tian Lake Introduction
Located in Donghe Village, Nanzhuang Township, Miaoli County, there are currently over twenty households with a population of about two hundred, making it the largest village of the Saisiyat people. According to legend, hundreds of years ago, this area was originally a lake, which was named Xiangtian Lake, meaning "Heaven-Looking Lake," as the ancient people gazed at the sky while looking at the lake. Later, a tributary of the Dadong River eroded the lakeshore, causing the lake water to drain away, leaving behind fertile lakebed soil, which became a mountain basin. The indigenous people who moved here transformed this land into agricultural fields. Xiangtian Lake is at an elevation of 738 meters, bordered to the southeast by the ridge of Guangtian Mountain and Luchang, while it connects to Penglai Village to the southwest and is surrounded by Nanjing Village and Donghe Village to the northwest. Guangtian Mountain is a sub-ridge of the Jiali Mountain Range, with steep cliffs on the eastern side due to erosion by the Dadong River, while the western side has gentle slopes and a wider ridge. Xiangtian Lake is situated in the western foothills, surrounded by extensive terraces and a lush landscape of cedar forests, mixed trees, and bamboo groves. Due to its higher elevation, it often experiences misty conditions and ethereal clouds during winter and spring, creating a scene reminiscent of a fairyland. Every two years, the village holds a ceremonial festivity known as the "Dwarf Spirit Festival," which occurs every ten years as a grand ceremony. This festival has profound historical significance and an air of primitive mystique, being the most important celebration for the Saisiyat people. The Dwarf Spirit Festival takes place around the 15th day of the lunar calendar's tenth month and lasts for four days and three nights. The Saisiyat people hope that visitors will come with sincerity and respect for indigenous culture to enjoy and work together to preserve the original form of the Dwarf Spirit Festival. Origins of the Dwarf Spirit Festival: In ancient times, the black dwarves, who were less than one meter tall, possessed various skills. They taught the Saisiyat people farming and rituals, enabling them to establish stable lifestyles. During harvest season, the Saisiyat would invite the black dwarves to the village for festivities to celebrate the bountiful harvest. Gradually, the invited black dwarves began to behave inappropriately towards Saisiyat women, and during one Harvest Festival, the Saisiyat devised a trap that led to the death of the black dwarves. After this incident, the harvest was no longer as prosperous as in previous years. To appease the spirits of the deceased black dwarves, they held the "Dwarf Spirit Festival," which is now celebrated in mid-October of the lunar calendar, having changed from an annual event to a small festival every two years and a grand festival every ten years.
