Taichung｜Nature Sounds and Forest Picking｜Follow the Flying Squirrel on an Adventure

The mouth harp is a significant traditional instrument of the Atayal people, serving not only as a musical tool but also as a medium for expressing emotions, longing, and courtship. Its sound is believed to communicate with ancestral spirits and plays a vital role in ceremonies, weddings, and daily life. It is an indispensable spiritual symbol within Atayal culture, embodying the people's reverence for nature and life.

The Atayal mouth harp primarily consists of a body and a reed. The body is typically made from bamboo with a thin slit at the front, and the reed, often made of copper or bamboo, is inserted into this slit. When played, the reed vibrates to produce sound. The hands-on crafting process allows participants to gain a deep understanding of its structural principles and Atayal craftsmanship, experiencing the essence of traditional wisdom.

Playing the Atayal mouth harp involves holding the instrument in the mouth and using oral resonance and breath control to alter pitch and timbre, while simultaneously plucking or manipulating the reed with the hand. Its distinctive playing techniques can mimic bird songs, flowing water, or express subtle emotions, creating rich and multi-layered sounds that showcase the Atayal people's observation of nature and artistic ingenuity.

Traditional Atayal weaving primarily uses ramie fiber as its base material. The ramie plant undergoes intricate processes of stripping, retting, spinning, and other steps to produce the thread. Additionally, natural plant dyes are used to color the ramie threads, such as from red sandalwood, Chinese sumac, and turmeric, giving the textiles rich colors and unique patterns that demonstrate wisdom of coexisting with nature and respect for the environment.

During the 'Sounds of Nature and Forest Foraging' tour in the Lileng community, travelers can personally create unique potted plants using local natural materials. This activity combines art and ecology, guiding you under the instruction of professionals to incorporate collected plants and creativity into your creation. You'll experience the beauty and vitality of nature while taking home a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Participating in cultural experiences in the Lileng community, in addition to crafting your own mouth harp, allows for a deep dive into the Atayal people's culinary culture, savoring local delicacies and experiencing the warm hospitality of the community. Through guided tours and interactions, you can also gain a more comprehensive understanding of the Atayal traditional lifestyle, their wisdom in living with the mountains and forests, and their philosophy of coexisting with nature, fostering in-depth dialogue.

The 'Forest Tea Ceremony' and 'Forest Afternoon Tea' in the Lileng community allow you to enjoy peaceful and leisurely moments amidst the lush forest. You can savor snacks and drinks that incorporate local ingredients, relaxing your body and mind to the natural soundtrack of birdsong. This is a sensory experience that deeply connects you with nature, allowing you to appreciate the gentle rhythms of the land and achieve a sense of physical and mental healing.

During the Lileng community experience programs, you will have the opportunity to taste unique Atayal local delicacies. These meals typically use fresh, seasonal mountain produce, wild vegetables, and special ingredients from the community. Examples include May-chang chicken soup, prickly ash dishes, and bamboo rice, allowing you to experience the traditional Atayal dietary culture and wisdom through your taste buds and enjoy authentic flavors.