Chinese Name: 貓公部落
Address: No. 8-2, Ln. 82, Minzu St., Fengbin Vil., Fengbin Township, Hualien County 977, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Did You Know That…?
Amis often name geographical locations after plants, events, individuals, or objects. The name of Fakong Indigenous Village originates from crinum asiaticum (文殊蘭), also known as poison bulb or giant crinum lily, a plant native to East Asia.
Ilisin is an annual festival celebrated by Fakong Village in Fengbin Township (豐濱鄉), Hualien County (花蓮縣). Lasting several days, the festival consists of rituals and activities for people to pray for the community’s health and prosperity. Organized and coordinated by both the young and old, Ilisin is not merely a harvest celebration but also a vital practice of Amis social order and community building. Fakong Village has been celebrating Ilisin since its founding, with the event taking place from August 5 to 10 each year.
The festival follows meticulous procedures. On the eve of the main ceremony, village members must enter Cilangasan Mountain, the Amis people’s sacred mountain, to call upon their ancestors. They then gather for a village meeting and hold various activities, including competitions, dancing, singing, banquets, and spirit-welcoming and sending rituals.
The execution of the festival relies on cooperation across different age groups. The group of the Mama no Kapah, meaning “the father of the youth,” is responsible for planning and supervising the event. As a key figure in community decision-making, the Mama no Kapah leads the festival preparations, with elders assisting in ritual performances. Other responsibilities, particularly labor-intensive tasks, are distributed according to age and ability.
Hymn-singing is a central part of the festival, as its lyrics preserve the community’s traditional values and history. During the spirit-welcoming ritual, community members gather before wooden memorial plaques to recite the names of past village chiefs, reinforcing their connection to the village’s heritage. The elder who leads the hymn-singing is not chosen arbitrarily but is typically appointed by their predecessor. If the current leader feels unable to continue due to age, they will select a successor and pass down their knowledge and singing skills.
Historically, the songs and prayers of Ilisin were kept secret, with women and outsiders prohibited from participation. However, this practice limited cultural transmission and contributed to its decline. To preserve their heritage, the community collectively decided to open the festival to the public. In 2014, Ilisin was officially recognized as a cultural heritage event by the Hualien County Government.