Hakka Village History Volume 25 – “Memories Of The Dongpian Village Tracing The Sweet Scent Of The Past”

Nestled in the inland reaches of the Pingtung Plain, Dongpian Village is a vibrant Hakka settlement steeped in the footsteps of its ancestors. Despite facing natural challenges such as water scarcity, tense intergroup relations, and flood threats dating back to the late Qing Dynasty, the villagers have met each obstacle with resilience, transforming adversity into a source of growth.

Although the land here may appear barren, the villagers’ ingenuity has nurtured thriving local industries, forging a distinctive path of development that began with dryland farming. What is even more admirable is the tradition of collective effort: from the early “Holy Mother Ritual” organizations to postwar reconstruction, every achievement reflects the shared wisdom, dedication, and hard work of the community.

In terms of religious and cultural life, Dongpian Village displays a uniquely diverse character. The village preserves traditional beliefs such as Tudi Gong (Earth Deity) and Mazu worship, while the Christian faith, passed down through generations of the Li family, adds another rich layer to the community’s cultural tapestry. Together, these traditions compose a compelling story of multicultural coexistence within this Hakka settlement.

Author: Yeh Chin-cheng