The native peoples on these islands all speak the same type of aboriginal language, and are referred to as the Austronesian people. In Taiwan, the current aboriginal population is about 330,000. Hunting, fishing, gathering and cultivation are all important activities related to aboriginal economies and religions. Gathering and cultivation of crops are mostly done by women. The men hunt and fish together with other male members of their family or tribe.
Tribes living in the mountains rotate their crops, and burn the fields after harvest.
On the East Coast plains, aborigines plant rice paddies. And, on Lanyu, aborigines use paddies to grow taro root. However, the nature of the terrains in which these tribes live, prevents the development of large scale agricultural production. Shooting Festival, the Yami Flying Fish Festival and boat completion celebrations, the Saisyat Dwarf Spirit Ceremony and the Tsou Warring Ceremony. These are all important ceremonies that have been passed down from generation to generation, and are still performed today.