Siraya in Taiwan

Introduction / History

The Siraya are one of Taiwan’s Plains Indigenous Peoples, historically inhabiting the southwestern coastal plains, especially in Tainan and Taitung Counties. They are part of the Austronesian ethnolinguistic family, which includes languages like Tagalog, Malay, and Javanese.The Siraya language, once widely spoken, fell out of regular use by the early 20th century due to colonial assimilation, particularly under Qing and Japanese rule. Dutch missionaries in the 17th century developed a Romanized script for the Siraya language and translated parts of the Bible into it. These texts, known as the Sinckan Manuscripts, have become key resources for modern language revitalization efforts.Although the Siraya were long excluded from official recognition due to legal definitions favoring “mountain peoples,” they have actively sought ethnic recognition and cultural revival since the late 1990s.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Traditionally, the Siraya lived in matrilineal agricultural societies, where women managed farming and religious duties, and men were responsible for hunting and warfare. Villages were often in conflict, and marriage customs were unique—husbands and wives lived separately, and childbirth was delayed until men retired from warrior roles.Today, many Siraya have been assimilated into Han Chinese society, but efforts to reclaim their identity are ongoing. Cultural organizations promote language education, traditional crafts, and ceremonies like the Night Festival, which honors ancestral spirits and reinforces community bonds.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Siraya practice a blend of animism, ancestral worship, and syncretic Taoist beliefs. Central to their spirituality is Alid, a collective ancestral spirit represented by ceramic urns filled with sacred water. The Night Ceremony, held annually, is a key religious event where offerings are made and traditional dances performed.During Dutch colonization, missionaries introduced Christianity, translating biblical texts into Siraya and establishing early churches. Today, about 55% of Siraya identify as Christian, though many still maintain traditional beliefs alongside their faith.

What Are Their Needs?

Despite their historical presence, the Siraya are still not fully recognized as an indigenous group under Taiwanese law. The Siraya language is endangered, and efforts to teach it in schools and communities require more support. Traditional customs, crafts, and ceremonies are at risk due to assimilation and modernization.While many Siraya are nominally Christian, there is a need for deep, culturally sensitive discipleship that integrates their heritage with biblical faith.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Siraya’s efforts to gain official indigenous status and for laws to be amended to include Plains Peoples.Lift up local churches and ministries working among the Siraya. Pray for discipleship that honors their identity and leads to spiritual maturity based on a relationship with Jesus Christ.Pray for young Siraya to find purpose through faith in Christ and share their faith with others.

Text Source:   Joshua Project