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were turned in quickly. Sure enough, row after row of
answers read: slaughtering pigs, or dishes that follow
from it.
But then
—
McDonald's?
When Mu-Hua read the unexpected answer aloud,
the room erupted in puzzled looks, searching for the
defector. The lone Bunun representative sheepishly
raised his hand.
“
I had to accommodate my
family,
”
he admitted. One sentence, revealing
another truth of tribal life.
Defection touched a nerve again. Election Day
is the most animated day of the year for many in
Wanrong. Someone complained,
“
You can skip
the Mgay Bari, but during elections they
’
ll call you
back no matter what.
”
Still, liveliness takes many
forms. Thankfully, traditional Mgay Bari and wedding
pig feasts made the list. Christmas, too, is essential. In
Mayuan Village, celebrations stretch on for weeks,
with decoration contests
—
yards competing through
Christmas trees and inflatable Santas for the biggest
holiday prize.
Then came the Wanrong-only question:
“
With
For centuries, Indigenous peoples have learned
how to meet storms, collapses, and displacement
with humor. Even as the iron fist of life-and-death
upheaval strikes again and again, life must still
be lived step by step
—
polishing, over time, the
mountain character: resilient, unyielding, relentless.
Never admit defeat, as pride matters! If you
’
ve
survived all that, you can
’
t lose when it
’
s time
to introduce yourself. Achievements were proudly
declared: lead dancer, national strongman
champion, undefeated archery titleholder, the only
township office not scolded during Typhoon Fung-
wong
—
and yes, once a braised-food stall owner
too. Surviving in the tribes, you have to have a few
tricks up your sleeves. Like the Bunun tradition of
recounting battle honors, everyone here is a warrior
worth celebrating.
After recounting achievements, it was time for
prey. The next question:
“
What do you eat when
celebrating?
”
Someone said,
“
For big occasions, it can only be
that.
”
A knowing glance passed around the room. Papers
Wanrong Township
12