"pongso no Tao" - The Orchid Island

TAIWAN | Tuesday, 18 November 2014 | Views [826] | View Smaller Image

Each Ping-Ban-Zhou (拼板舟) is either an individual or family boat and will be made from 21 or 27 pieces of different woods to ensure strength and durability. Without heavy tools or equipment male family members go into the forest and select the right woods. For example, the center keel section of the Ping-Ban-Zhou requires a particularly hard wood to resist the wear of the island's coral reefs. Great pride is taken by an entire family working together to construct their Ping-Ban-Zhou. Each Ping-Ban-Zhou is carefully carved and painted elaborately with meaningful designs and symbols. The launching of a new Ping-Ban-Zhou is proceeded by a ceremony that includes taro grown by the female family members. The entire Ping-Ban-Zhou is covered so all catches of fish will fill the boat to maximum capacity in the future fishing seasons.

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Before fishing for flying fish can begin, each village will have a traditional ceremony (招魚祭) to ensure good and safe fishing. The elder of the families will wear this helmet（銀盔） made from recycled tin cans or in some case silver coins to frighten away the evil ghosts that may endanger the fishermen or scare the flying fish away.

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The carved symbols and geometric designs carry great meaning to the Tao fishing community. Red, white and black are the only colors used on a traditional Ping-Ban-Zhou. Red was originally from the fine island earth, rich in iron oxide, black from the carbon of the cooking fires, and the white of calcium oxide from burning sea shells, usually of the giant clam (Tridacna gigas).

The person-like symbol represents the family accompanying the fisherman to bring him comfort and prevent him from ever being alone while fishing in the vast ocean. This is particularly reassuring for the individual in his one man boat.

The radiating, sun-like symbol, represents the eyes of the Ping-Ban-Zhou to ensure the fishermen will find the right direction to the huge schools of flying fish and be able to return safely home.

This photograph shows these two most significant symbols for the fishermen.

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"pongso no Tao" - The Orchid Island

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