Local stories from Australasia...
Australia The Glass House Mountains This group of 13 volcanic peaks that dominate the landscape of the Sunshine Coast have a story to tell. For the Kabi Aborigines, who were quickly displaced by European settlers, they had enormous Dreamtime significance and this is their story of how the mountains were formed.
Tibrogargan is the father, (largest peak on the left). Beerwah the mother (largest peak), had many children - Coonowrin is the eldest (centre peak), surrounded by his sisters.
One day, when Tibrogargan was gazing out to sea he noticed a great rising of the water. Hurrying off to gather his younger children in order to flee to the safety of the mountains to the westward, he called out to Coonowrin to aid his mother, who was again with child.
Looking back to see how Coonowrin was assisting Beerwah, Tibrorgargan was greatly angered to see him running off alone. He pursued Coonowrin and, raising his Nula Nula (club), struck the latter such a mighty blow that it dislocated Coonowrin's neck, and he has never been able to straighten it since.
When the floods had subsided and the family had returned to the plains, the other children teased Coonowrin about his crooked neck. Feeling ashamed, Coonowrin went to Tibrogargan and asked for forgiveness, but filled with shame at his son's cowardice, Tibrogargan could do nothing but weep copious tears, which, trickling along the ground, formed a stream which flowed into the sea.
Then Coonowrin went to his brothers and sisters, but they also wept at the shame of their brother's cowardice. The lamentations of Coonowrin's parents and his brothers and sisters at his disgrace explain the presence today of the numerous small streams of the area.
Tibrogargan then called Coonowrin, asking him why he had deserted Beerwah; at which Coonowrin replied that as Beerwah was the biggest of them all she should be able to take care of herself. He did not know that Beerwah was again pregnant, which was the reason for her great size.
Then Tibrogargan turned his back on Coonowrin and vowed that he would never look at him again. Even today, Tibrogargan gazes far out to sea and never looks around at Coonowrin, who hangs his head and cries, his tears running off to the sea. His mother Beerwah, is still heavy with child as it takes a long, long time to give birth to a mountain.
(From Scott and Kylie,
Waterbreath Retreat)
FIJI Sevusevu
In Fiji you present a Sevusevu of Yaqona (kava/grog) to thank the chief / landowner for letting you stay.
This consists of a bundle of non appealing twig like things wrapped in newspaper. They are in fact a root from a pepper plant
There is young grog (1-3 years), or the older, better grog (maybe 5 years), strong grog (dependant on growing conditions)....or the pre powdered stuff.
You can buy grog in $10 bundles, or half KG ($17-$20), full KG ($35-$40), or for something extra special buy the big 'presented bundles' ranging from 3-7kg!!! You can also buy 'just the heads' (of the root) but they're not the best tasting! For Sevusevu a half kg will be enough. The recommended grog is longer (arm's length is good, as long as it doesn't taper for too long!), thick base, and its good to have a few of the 'twigs' still fairly thick at the far end – and snaps cleanly and dry at that end. Try and avoid too bigger a base (the 'white head') as this is quite bitter in taste ...and it's very hard to pound!
Ask that the seller wraps it in paper, and ties with twine.
(From Sarah-Jane Bowness,
Tribewanted)
FIJI Na Meke ni Yaqona Vakaturaga (The Cultural Kava Performance) 'Meke' is the Fijian word for performance but also used to describe dancing and singing routines that tell stories. The Na Meke ni Yaqona Vakaturaga or 'kava meke' is a very special, unique and peaceful performance and is acted out in front of the chief or invited guests at very special occasions when kava is given as a gift. (Kava- a local plant root from which we make our grog, a kind of local brew.)
It originated in Viti Levu in Western Fiji and it has been passed to various tribes across the Fijian islands. In each district, the kava meke is performed slightly differently and this is part of every tribe's identity.
The Na Meke ni Yaqona Vakaturaga or Cultural Kava performance takes place after the offering of the kava root or 'sevusevu' to the chief and it is a gesture of thanks and appreciation. This particular meke performance shows the process of kava drinking and is made up of three parts which are performed at short intervals by three male tribe members all dressed in traditional costume.
Others sit cross legged in a circle watching the performance taking place in the middle around the Tanoa or large mixing bowl which is placed in the centre and faces the chief who is overlooking the performance.
The Fijians chant whilst the meke is performed and movements are acted out to the rhythm of their voices.
The three steps of the Cultural Kava Performance:
1. Meke ni bitu ni wai
Pouring of water from the bamboo into the 'Tanoa'. In this ceremony, the bamboo is normally about eight feet long and is held diagonally. The top section of the bamboo is filled with water and leaves prevent water from spilling out. The bamboo holder holds the bottom or left side of the bamboo to make a seal and pours the water slowly into the tanoa so water isn't spilt.
2. Lose ni yaqona – Mixing of kava
Once the water is in the tanoa, the next stage is to add the 'yagona' or kava. This is mixed by the second role player. Before the ceremony, the Kava root has been pounded into small pieces. The kava is placed in fibres from the Vau Tree and is twisted and squeezed together. (The Vau tree is often used in Fijian culture to tie things together as it is very strong; for example, the Vau fibres were used for the roof of the Grand Bure).
The kava is mixed with water to dilute it as otherwise it would be too strong! When the matanivanua or wingman calls out 'wai donu' the fibre is then used to take out any kava particles that are floating inside the tanoa.
3. Meke ni lave – Serving of kava
The kava is now mixed. The third person comes and enters on the right or left of the mixer and serves the kava to the chief. He should firstly take out the bilo (drinking bowl made from a coconut shell) and place it on the edge of the tanoa. When the mixer lifts the fibres up, the server moves the bilo under the fibre and the kava juice is squeezed into the bilo.
Kava is a very important part of the Fijian culture and it is meant to have narcotic qualities. Your mouth will probably feel quite numb. Some people experience a sleepy relaxed feeling if they drink it over a prolonged duration, but most people will not experience any immediate effect.
(From Save,
Tribewanted)
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