Exploring Rukai Culture in Taiwan: Stone Architecture, Sacred Churches, Ancestral Myths, and the Lily Flower Symbol

Taiwan, an island nation known for its technological advancements and natural beauty, is also home to incredible cultural treasures—its Indigenous tribes. One of the tribes with a particularly unique heritage is the Rukai people, who live in the mountainous regions of southern Taiwan, especially in Wutai, Pingtung County. The Rukai culture is not only fascinating in terms of tradition and belief but also rich in symbolism expressed through architecture, art, and folklore.

In this article, we’ll explore the richness of Rukai culture through their stone houses, traditional churches filled with spiritual and cultural meaning, the myth of the snake and the heavenly princess, and the deep significance of the lily flower worn by Rukai women.

The Rukai’s Traditional Stone Homes: Blending Seamlessly with Nature

Traditional Rukai houses are built using flat natural stones stacked without cement, creating strong structures that blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment. This design not only reflects aesthetic beauty but also embodies the Rukai philosophy of living in harmony with nature.

The roofs are made of layered stone slabs, and the walls use the same material. Inside, the layout is simple yet deeply meaningful: carvings of symbols such as snakes, humans, and lilies often appear on the walls and doors. These symbols are closely tied to the tribe’s mythology and belief system.

More than just a shelter, the stone house is a center of social and spiritual life. It is a heritage passed down through generations, reflecting family lineage and social status within the community. Unfortunately, few original stone houses remain today, as many new homes are now built with modern construction materials.

Sacred Heart of Jesus Church: A Place of Worship and Cultural Expression

In Shenshan Village, Wutai, there is a church that beautifully reflects the blend of Catholic faith and Rukai local culture: the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. Built using the same flat stones as traditional Rukai houses, the church harmonizes with the village landscape and the community’s way of life.

From the outside, the church appears sturdy and modest, but inside lies a deep cultural richness. One striking feature is a statue of the Virgin Mary dressed in traditional Rukai attire, complete with a lily-shaped headdress. This symbolizes the inculturation of Christianity into Rukai identity—embracing the new faith without erasing their original beliefs and cultural symbols.

Side-Facing Benches: A Hidden Story in the Church Design

One of the most interesting features of this church is the carved wooden benches. According to a local guide, in traditional Rukai culture, only respected figures or people of high status could sit on benches with carvings, while ordinary villagers sat on plain ones. However, the Church teaches that everyone is equal in the eyes of God, so all the benches in the church are carved to resemble human figures—allowing anyone to sit anywhere.

Interestingly, each carved figure on the benches is facing sideways. This design reflects a teaching of the Church: that the congregation should always listen to the priest with full attention. The figures are turned sideways so that their ears face forward—symbolizing the importance of listening with devotion.

The Myth of the Snake and the Princess from the Sky: The Origins of the Rukai People

In Rukai mythology, there is a legendary tale that forms the foundation of their spiritual and cultural identity: the love story between a princess from the sky who descended to earth and a great serpent. The serpent had the ability to transform into a human. They fell in love and married, giving birth to children who became the ancestors of the Rukai people.

A local guide also tells the story of Princess Balung, a noblewoman who married a sacred serpent with black-and-white triangle patterns on its skin.

These stories involving vipers show that the serpent is considered a sacred being that must not be harmed. In many traditional ceremonies, the snake appears as a symbol of protection and guardianship over the village. Snake carvings can be found on doorways, statues, clothing, and even inside the church—as a reminder of the Rukai’s origins and ancestral protection.

The Lily Flower: A Symbol of Purity, Honor, and Womanhood in Rukai Culture

The lily flower holds deep meaning in Rukai culture, especially for women. In the Rukai language, it is called tjaravacalj and is known as a symbol of purity, honor, and maturity. The flower grows naturally in the mountains where the Rukai people live and is believed to be a plant blessed by the spirits of nature.

A Rukai girl may only wear a lily crown after reaching moral and social maturity. She must demonstrate good character, fulfill responsibilities within the community, and uphold her family’s honor. By wearing the lily crown, a Rukai woman is formally recognized by society as honorable and mature.

The lily is also used as decoration during traditional festivals, coming-of-age ceremonies, and weddings. This powerful symbol appears in home and church architecture as well, representing the union of spirituality and the dignity of Rukai women.

Sources:

Digital Guided Walks. (n.d.). Traditional Rukai Architecture. Diambil dari 步佈台灣 Digital Guided Walks. https://dguidedwalks.tw/

Life of Taiwan. (2023). Six of the Best: Taiwan’s Most Amazing Churches. https://lifeoftaiwan.com/culture/six-of-the-best-taiwans-most-amazing-churches/

Lonely Planet. Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Shenshan, Wutai. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/taiwan/sandimen/attractions/church-of-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/a/poi-sig/1538044/1327842

Maolin National Scenic Area Administration. (n.d.). Shenshan Rukai Tribal Cooking School & Sacred Heart Church Cultural Experience. Tourism Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications. https://www.maolin-nsa.gov.tw/en/attraction/227/

Maolin National Scenic Area Administration. 2024. Sacred Heart of Jesus. Maolin National Scenic Area Administration. https://www.maolin-nsa.gov.tw/en/attraction/220/

Ministry of Culture, Taiwan. Potential World Heritage Sites in Taiwan: Paiwan & Rukai Slate Constructions. https://www.moc.gov.tw/en/News_Content2.aspx?n=398&sms=10698&s=14047

Taiwan Indigenous Peoples Cultural Development Center. (2023). Rukai Sacred Architecture and Symbolism. https://en.tacp.gov.tw/Indigenous/ItemDetail?ID=e441347f-883b-4333-b0ec-7b56fd775305