Tribewanted: Vorovoro

The 1st of October 2007 saw a sight that is probably not going to be repeated on Vorovoro for a few hundred years – the arrival of a Lali.

The day also saw the changing over of chief, from Chris Marino, to Ciaran Ryan.

Given the recent news of one of our great Vorovoro friends passing away, the day was scaled down into a relatively low key affair.

During Chris’ reign, he’d decided that we should revert back to Fijian tradition and get a Lali on Vorovoro. The way in which messages are sent from village to village, and around the community. So who would make the Lali? Who better to do such a task than Epeli and Poasa. After selecting a suitable tree on peak 2 they spent 1 week chiselling away to make the ‘log’ into the Lali.

Mondays Ceremony started with Craig blowing the Davui (a large sea shell that produces a very deep, bass like horn sound) and making his way down to the beach front. Craig was accompanied by Kimbo (dressed in full tapa gear again), and Tevita. They were followed by Anna, Fiona, Rose, and Va carrying the brightly coloured veil that trailed from Kimbo.

They made there way to welcome the boat carrying the Lali, with Marau, Poisa, Api, and Celli. The lali was beaten in rhythm as the boat made its way to the shore.

Waiting in the waters were Leavi, Bjoern and Jamie (who had only arrived 20 mins previous). On Tevita’s signal the 3 in the water began to swim ahead of the boat. Api and Celli leapt in afterwards to chase them down, and then together they brought the boat closer to the shore, where Tevita and Craig met them.

Tevita presented kava to them all, whilst waist deep in the water. after traditional Fijian acceptance, they all then made there way to the beach edge where Tui Mali, Chief guest Tui Labasa’s brother, chief chris, ciaran and the rest of the community were waiting around the Tanoa.

After more kava presenting, the ceremony of announcing the Lali arrival began. Kimbo stepped in to serve the grog for the first round. Tui Mali and his guest then stepped up to ‘play’ the lali.

Soon after we had the handover of chief, as Chris passed the reigns over to Ciaran.

Grog and afternoon tea soon ensued for a few hours, before carrying the lali into its new home – the front garden of the great bure – where the tribe all got to play a little bit under the guidance of Va.

More grog, and then Tui Mali leaving (under the sounds of the beating lali of course).....

Tuesday morning started with the new village ritual of beating the lali to announce the sunrise of the new day. Some tribe members just weren’t too happy waking at 6am!
The day ends with the lali being beaten again to mark sunset (6pm).......

The tribe all mentioned how honoured they were to be part of a day that will not happen again this century! Lali’s last a very long time…and to make it such a traditional ceremony made it all the more worth while.

Tevita’s passionate speeches still continue to blow everyone away. You don’t need to understand Fijian to understand the importance and significance of the occassion.
Of course, future tribe members will get to test there rhythm, as they get to grips with the sound of the Lali…..

Lali Ceremony in Pictures > http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=345787&id=512976594