FIRE WALKING IN FIJI

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22827, 11 March 1936, Page 7

FIRE WALKING IN FIJI

TO THE EDITOR Sib. —I would refer Mr Watson and Mr Norman to an article in the Australian Trav«l Association's publication Walkabout (September issue. 1935). from which, the following extract is taken: — . . . On this Island of Beja grow several kinds of vines and trees that are not common to other parts of the Fijian group. One of these vines, In particular, is gathered, then chopped into email pieces, These pieces are put Into « lovu and kept constantly hot for tour or five days. The result of the baking Is a light brown charcoal, later pounded to dust by stones... The charcoal dust Is then mixed and blended carefully with the Juice of another vine. This Is obtained by crushing. The ultimate mixture Is a brown fluid, not unlike coffee In appearance. For some days preceding the actual fire-walking ceremony the performers are kept constantly damp with this liquid. The heart of the secret is thus explained. Not only are they sponged with the liquid, but their feet are soaked, ankle deep, and occasionally withdrawn so that the liquid may set upon the pkln. The liquid would appear to bo something In the nature of asbestos, which, of course, resists Are. . About, an hour before the actual walking takes place the performers are sponged all over with the Juice of another vine, this also having an ■ Important - bearing on the Immunity of the walker from harm. The Juice Is, without a doubt, a powerful local anaesthetic. It is understood by the very few white folks Initiated to the fact that ♦he natives sponged by the anaesthetic Juice are Immune to bodily feeling for days after the ceremony Is over. . . —I am, etc.. J. W. Tiffany. Sawyers’ Bay, March 9.