Tainan's 'Heavenly Pillar' Rice Cake Craft Designated Cultural Heritage, Two Masters Recognized as Preservers

Tainan, Taiwan, has officially recognized the traditional "Mi Ga Jiao" (rice cake stack) making technique as a cultural heritage, appointing two master craftsmen as its official preservers. This significant designation aims to safeguard a unique culinary and ritualistic practice deeply embedded in the city's cultural fabric.

The "Mi Ga Jiao" is a prominent offering in Tainan's religious ceremonies, particularly during the "Pu Du" (ghost festival) and other folk belief events. These towering structures, sometimes reaching one to two "zhang" (approximately 3-6 meters) in height, are not merely food items but are revered as "heavenly pillars" that bridge the earthly realm with the divine. Historical records from the Japanese colonial era document their use, highlighting their long-standing importance in local traditions.

The intricate process of creating a "Mi Ga Jiao" involves several stages: steaming glutinous rice, mixing it with syrup, and then carefully packing and pressing the mixture into a cylindrical mold made of six "jia" boards. The resulting stack stands tall, symbolizing prayers for blessings and sincere wishes reaching the heavens. This craft integrates expertise in rice processing, structural assembly, shaping control, and ritualistic arrangement, reflecting a rich blend of artistry, faith, and folk customs.

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The towering 'Mi Ga Jiao,' which can reach one to two zhang at its highest, is not just a sacrificial item but is considered by the public as a 'heavenly pillar' connecting heaven and earth.

Two masters, Huang Tongshan and Huang Tailang, have been recognized for their dedication to this craft. Huang Tongshan, a third-generation inheritor from the Huang family associated with Puji Temple, possesses a comprehensive understanding of every step, from selecting rice to the final shaping. Huang Tailang, a second-generation craftsman from the Huang family in Benyuanliao, An'nan District, learned the skill through oral tradition and extensive practice, often collaborating with local women to form efficient teams.

Cultural heritage authorities note that these two families may be the only ones in Tainan still actively producing "Mi Ga Jiao." Their continued practice is considered crucial for maintaining the integrity of Tainan's "Pu Du" culture and its folk rituals, ensuring this valuable tradition is passed down.

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The designation of 'Mi Ga Jiao' making technique as a cultural heritage preservation technique, and the recognition of masters Huang Tongshan and Huang Tailang as preservers, leaves a spark of inheritance for the precious sacrificial craft of the Prefecture City.