Lalu Island Introduction
Lalu Island is said to be the dwelling place of the highest ancestral spirit of the Thao people and is one of their early settlements. The Nantou County Government designated Lalu Island as a sacred site for the Thao ancestors to show respect for the Thao people. In 2000, the Thao people planted a mangrove tree on the island, symbolizing the continuous cultural heritage of the Thao descendants through generations. Lalu Island still holds its sacredness and symbolic meaning to this day. The Thao people believe that their highest ancestral spirit resides in Lalu. According to tradition, women who wish to learn how to become a "xianshengma" (the term used by Thao people for traditional priests) must be accompanied by an experienced xianshengma and take a boat to Lalu Island to receive the inspiration of the highest ancestral spirit. Only after obtaining confirmation can they be deemed qualified to enter the priesthood. This demonstrates Lalu Island's sacred status in the hearts of the Thao people. However, Lalu Island has had several different names throughout different eras and contexts; during the Qing dynasty, it was referred to as "Zhu Yu," "Zhu Shan," or "Zhu Zi Shan," while the Japanese called it "Tamashima." After World War II, the Kuomintang government referred to it as "Guanghua Island," meaning "Illuminated China." It was later officially renamed Lalu Island.
