Alizu (Ancestral Spirit)

Alizu is not a single deity but a collective term for Siraya ancestral spirits. Legend holds that Alizu governs the tribe's life, death, and natural cycles. despite the impact of Dutch rule and Qing-era Sinicization, the Pot Worship tradition survived, becoming the most distinct marker of Siraya identity. A famous belief is the healing power of 'Xiang Water' blessed by Alizu. The 'General Pillar' in the Kuwa symbolizes Alizu's authority. Today, areas like Danei, Jiali, and Dongshan in Tainan still maintain intact Kuwa and Night Ceremony traditions, showcasing the resilience of Siraya culture.

Alizu worship is fundamentally different from Han Chinese temple practices, preserving the original ritual characteristics of Austronesian peoples. The worship site is the "Kuwa" (public house), not a temple; the sacred symbol is a "ritual pot" filled with water, not a deity statue. During rituals, tribespeople offer betel nuts, rice wine, and tobacco, presided over by the "Ang-i" (female priestess). The Ang-i plays a crucial role in Siraya culture — she can communicate with ancestral spirits, heal the sick, and divine fortunes. The most sacred element is "Xiang Water" — water blessed by Alizu in the ritual pot — believed to possess healing and protective powers. Tribespeople also consult Alizu at the Kuwa when facing important decisions. Notably, Alizu faith is matrilineally transmitted, with the Kuwa managed by female elders — reflecting the Siraya people's early matrilineal social structure.

The most important Siraya ceremony is the "Night Ceremony" (Mahanru), held annually on the 14th-15th of the 10th lunar month. Beginning at nightfall and lasting until dawn, the entire ceremony is led by the Ang-i as tribespeople sing the ancient "Qian Qu" (Holding Hands Songs), forming large circles hand-in-hand while invoking ancestral spirits. The "Pig Flipping" ritual — turning a whole pig as a sacrificial offering — is the Night Ceremony's most iconic image. The Tainan Danei Toushe Kuwa hosts the grandest Night Ceremony, attracting thousands annually and designated as a Tainan Municipal Folk Custom. Dongshan Jibeiwa and Zuozhen Kousheliao also maintain Night Ceremony traditions. Some Siraya communities also hold a smaller "Spring Ceremony" in the 3rd lunar month to thank ancestral spirits for a good spring planting.