Xiangtian Lake Introduction
Located in Donghe Village, Nantou Township, Miaoli County, it currently has over twenty households with a population of about two hundred, making it the largest settlement of the Saisiyat people. Legend has it that hundreds of years ago, this area was originally a lake. The ancient people named it "Xiangtian Lake" (also known as "Looking Up Lake") because they would gaze at the sky while seeing the lake. Later, due to the erosion of the lake shore by a tributary of the Dadong River, the water drained away, leaving behind the fertile lakebed, which became a mountain basin. The indigenous people who relocated here turned it into farmland. Xiangtian Lake is situated at an altitude of 738 meters, bordered to the southeast by the ridge of Guangtian Mountain and Luchang, connected to the southwest by Penglai Village, and to the northwest, the lower mountains lead to Nanjing Village and Donghe Village. Guangtian Mountain is a sub-range of the Jiali Mountain range, with steep cliffs on the eastern side caused by erosion from the Dadong River, and gentle slopes on the western side. Xiangtian Lake is located within the western mountain abdomen, surrounded by terraced fields, cedar forests, mixed woods, and groves of cinnamon bamboo, creating a lush green landscape. Due to its higher altitude, it is often shrouded in mist during the winter and spring, with clouds floating gently, resembling a fairyland. Xiangtian Lake hosts a significant festival every two years, with a major festival called the "Priest Spirit Festival" occurring every ten years. This festival holds great historical significance and an aura of primal mystery, making it the most important celebration for the Saisiyat people. The Priest Spirit Festival takes place around the 15th day of the lunar calendar in October, lasting for four days and three nights. The Saisiyat people hope that visitors come with sincerity and respect for indigenous culture to witness the festival and help preserve the original form of the Priest Spirit Festival. Origin of the Priest Spirit Festival: In ancient times, short black dwarfs less than one meter tall possessed various skills. They taught the Saisiyat people agricultural practices and rituals, enabling them to secure a stable living. During harvest season, the Saisiyat people would invite the black dwarfs to their village to celebrate their bountiful harvest. Gradually, the invited dwarfs began to behave inappropriately toward Saisiyat women. During a harvest celebration, the Saisiyat people set a trap that resulted in the death of the black dwarfs. Since then, agricultural yields diminished. To comfort the deceased dwarfs, the "Priest Spirit Festival" was established, held in mid-October of the lunar calendar, which has evolved from an annual celebration to a small festival every two years and a grand festival every ten years.
