Ceremonial offering
The air is velvet-like and fragrant. The moon is full. We, a privileged few, are seated in a semi-circle
on the grass, having enjoyed the exotic feast. With interest we watch young Fijian W'arriors preparing the yaqona. The tanoa is filled with liquid, kava roots are squeezed and wrung, .the solemn words are chanted.
Liquid is poured :nto a coconut shell and solemnly presented to one of our group. He accepts it, drinks, and then claps his hands three times. There is a cry of “maca.” The procedure is repeated before we realise that we are all to be offered this ceremonial drink. We must not offend our hosts. Our turn comes. We accept the proffered drink,
drain the shell, and clap our hands — all of us except one lass who tries in vain to swallow it. Later we are all invited to join the taralala dance — all except the one attractive lass who did not drink the kava.
—MARGERY HOUSTON
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Press, 31 May 1977, Page 26
Word Count
163Ceremonial offering Press, 31 May 1977, Page 26
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