Bananarama

Hi,Today we are going to introduce the Amis Harvest Festival.

This is the Harvest Festival dancing dancing picture. The Harvest Festival is the biggest traditional celebration of the Amis people in Taiwan. Its main purpose is to thank the spirits for a good harvest and to pray for peace and another good year. It is usually held between July and September, during the harvest season.

These are the main activities:

• Welcoming the Spirits
• Singing and Dancing
• Warrior Competitions
• Thanking and Praying

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The tribe welcomes their ancestors' spirits to join in the celebration.

• Traditional Singing and Dancing

When guests arrive, the Amis people welcome them with traditional songs and dances, expressing warmth and sincerity. The dances are often performed in a circle, symbolizing unity and sharing. Both men and women wear traditional clothing and perform joyful, rhythmic dances to create a festive and sacred atmosphere.

• Elder's Greeting and Blessing

A respected elder usually gives a welcome speech on behalf of the tribe, briefly explaining the significance of the festival. A short blessing ritual may also be held to pray for peace and a smooth celebration.

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People dance in a circle and sing in their native language. They are divided into age groups to take part in different tasks, games, and performances. This shows the unity of the tribe.

Amis music is mostly passed down orally. It features lively rhythms and simple melodies, with an emphasis on choral singing and call-and-response.

Characteristics:

• Uses rounds or antiphonal (call-and-response) singing.
• Lyrics often relate to farming, nature, ancestral spirits, love, and daily tribal life.
• Elders lead the singing, while the youth respond, symbolizing respect and cultural transmission.

Demonstration of strength and wisdom: These competitions test whether young people have the ability to protect the tribe and take care of its members.

• Symbol of adulthood: Some events are linked to coming-of-age ceremonies and represent the transition into adult status within the tribe.
• Cultural heritage: The competitions carry on traditional values such as courage, unity, discipline, and respect.

Men show their strength and courage through games like tug-of-war and wrestling.

The people thank the spirits and nature, and pray for a good year ahead.

• Giving Thanks to Ancestors and Nature

During the festival, the Amis people express their gratitude to ancestral spirits and nature through ceremonial songs, prayers, and rituals. They give thanks for the favorable weather and abundant harvest of the past year. Elders usually serve as the leaders of the ceremony, guiding the community in chanting prayers or singing traditional songs together.

• Sharing Food and Reuniting

The tribe prepares a large amount of food to symbolize the harvest and the spirit of sharing, inviting community members and relatives to join the celebration.

Sharing food is not just a gesture of hospitality—it is also a way to express gratitude, give back, and offer blessings to one another.

The Harvest Festival is important because it helps pass down traditions and values. During the festival, young people can learn from elders and build stronger community ties. Tourists often join the celebration too, which helps promote indigenous culture.

This is The Harvest Festival video link!