／Religion／

Now the Christianity Presbyterian is the main religion of Smangus.

At first Smangus’ religion was same as the early Atayal. They all believed in their spirit, so when they were sick wizards would pray for them. In 1948 one of the elders in Smangus attended another tribe’s gathering, and he was touched by Christianity. Then he started to bring Christianity into Smangus. According to the director of Smangus’s statement, Smangus set up Christian Presbyterian in 1951.

Before they believed in Christianity, Smangus people valued a kind of bird called Siliq very much. No matter going out to play or hunt, they all depended on the birds cry to see if they should go out or not. If a Siliq flew along the road and wowed “Gaga” sound, it meant that they shouldn’t go out. But now, when they see the bird, they will start to pray. And if there is devil in front of them, God will protect them.

Smangus people all depended on the birds cry to see if they should go out or not. （Image source：Smangus website） The Christianity Presbyterian is the main religion of Smangus.