A few taboos to avoid during the Flying Fish Festival on Orchid Island
Taiwan News
Date: 2018/03/21
By: Renée Salmonsen, Taiwan News, Staff Writer
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Orchid Island’s traditional Flying Fish Festival has begun and
Orchid Island celebrate flying fish out of respect for the environment. (By Central News Agency)
the Orchid Island Chief, Chang Ching-lai (夏曼．迦拉牧 or 張慶來), reminds the public of a few easy-to-avoid taboos during this sacred time.
The Flying Fish Festival is observed by the Tao indigenous tribe on Orchid Island and is a coming-of-age ritual for young men as well as a celebration of the natural world.
Beginning in March through sometime in June, depending on the year, only fish that appear on or above the surface of the water may be caught and eaten, according to CNA. Spear nets and drift nets are not allowed and neither is the use of fire or strong lights at night to coax the fish to the surface.
Those that violate these rules are said to be cursed.
Instead traditional fishing nets are used, which drag behind a boat. [FULL STORY]
