The Three Oddities of Hengchun Introduction
Hengchun, due to its unique topography, climate, and soil, has given rise to the special terms "Hengchun Three Treasures" and "Hengchun Three Oddities." The "Hengchun Three Treasures" refer to "Qiongma (a type of hemp), onions, and harbor tea," though harbor tea has been replaced by watermelon due to its limited availability. The "Hengchun Three Oddities" consist of "the falling mountain wind, betel nut consumption, and 'Thinking of You' - Hengchun folk songs." To understand the origins of these treasures and oddities, we should start with the "Hengchun Three Oddities": The First Oddity: Falling Mountain Wind From October to April of the following year, the western coast of Hengchun Peninsula often experiences strong winds that can last from 2 to 3 hours to up to ten days or half a month without stopping. The strong winds at ground level can exceed 20 meters per second and are accompanied by intense gusts, creating a scene reminiscent of a typhoon, apart from the clear skies. The prevalence of ground winds in the area results from the northeast monsoon and the leeward area of Hengchun Peninsula, where the winds rush out after crossing the mountains. Thus, for over a hundred years, locals have referred to this phenomenon as "Falling Mountain Wind." It also influences the cultural, natural landscape, and natural resources such as agriculture, forestry, fishery, and animal husbandry in the Hengchun Peninsula. The Second Oddity: Betel Nut Consumption In the past, the people of Hengchun consumed betel nuts together, regardless of age or gender, reportedly to resist the winter falling mountain winds. The betel nuts commonly consumed by the public are not the same as those preferred by the people of Hengchun, who favor "banziqing," which is affected by the falling mountain winds. At that time, betel nuts were a popular snack and even served as gifts during social gatherings or weddings, making it seem peculiar to visiting travelers. Currently, with increased awareness of health, the trend of chewing betel nuts has diminished. The Third Oddity: 'Thinking of You' - Hengchun Folk Songs The origins of Hengchun folk songs are complex, incorporating elements from various traditions, including Minnan, Hakka, Paiwan, and Pingpu music, showcasing the diverse cultural character of Hengchun Peninsula in Taiwan. 'Thinking of You' is also considered an important cultural asset of Taiwan, and several cultural institutions are dedicated to preserving and researching Hengchun folk songs, ensuring these long-sung melodies continue to be passed down. The melodies of Hengchun folk songs include: - Niuwei Bai (also known as "Niumu Ban"): The earliest folk song in Hengchun without a fixed form, noted for its octaval pitch in the ending sounds. The melody can vary greatly according to the singer's emotions, combining vocal sounds and ranges unpredictably, reaching a pitch range of three octaves in sorrowful segments, making it deeply moving. It's mainly sung by friends and relatives to comfort daughters on the eve of their weddings and express gratitude. - Pingpu Melody: Likely originating from the melodies of the Pingpu people, used for narrations or moral teachings. In 1952, Principal Manzhou made adaptations like "Farming Song." Adaptations named "Having No Choice" in 1959, and "Sister Green Oyster" in 1980 are also derived from the "Pingpu Melody," which is sometimes referred to as "Taitung Melody." - Sthinking Zhi (also known as "Thinking of You"): The most widely known Hengchun folk song, said to have originated from a tale of a person from Guangdong traversing to Taiwan and settling in the Longluan Society of Hengchun, expressing his homesickness through song. It is the most commonly utilized melody, especially for scenic descriptions, praise, and congratulations. - Si Ji Chun (also known as "Hengchun Melody" or "Major Melody"): This melody became popular around the same time as "Thinking of You," mainly used for duets between men and women, often beginning with the seasons and flowers, hence its name. Its melody is similar to "Fenggang Minor." - Wukong Xiao Diao (also known as "Kuli Melody"): With significant variations in pitch and rhythm, it is full of charm and emotional expression, used mainly for remembrance, sorrow, and narration. The textual information comes from Professor Chung Ming-Kun's music section in the "Hengchun Township Chronicles."
