Kava, Yaqona, Grog

It is another day of wet, foul weather in Newburgh on Ythan. Another day for a spot of wallowing in nostalgic memories of our days in the South Seas.

Kava, a slightly narcotic drink made from the bark and roosts of Piper methysticum forms part of the culture of Melanesians and Polynesians across the South Pacific. In the Fijis it is formally known as Yaqona, and informally as grog. This is our large, 6-legged traditional Yaqona bowl, known as a tanoa, and hand-carved from the hard wood of the vesi tree.

Yaqona is a central and ancient part of Fijian life. Once it was only used by priests (Bete) in religious rituals, but it is now consumed by everyone, both on highly formal occasions and in daily social gatherings. The following extract from Wikipedia describes a formal Yaqona ceremony.

"Yaqona is consumed seated on a rectangular Pandanus mat. At one end is a Tanoa to which is attached a magimagi (coconut fiber rope) and white cowry shells. This rope is laid out pointing towards the chief, sitting with his spokesman and other senior men. Behind the Tanoa will generally be three people: one making an infusion of the yaqona in water and two to serve and gather water as needed.

Once the Person mixing has all he needs in front of him, he will sit cross-legged and upright, touch the Tanoa and say, "Qai vakarau lose Saka Na Yaqona vaka Turaga" (I will respectfully mix the Yaqona for the Chieftain). After mixing, he takes the coconut shell bowl and fills it with Yaqona. He lifts it high and then lets the Yaqona pour back into the Tanoa so the Chief's herald can see the Yaqona. The herald, on seeing it is too sosoko (strong) will exclaim "Wai". On hearing this the mixer will add more water and repeat the same action until he hears the herald say "Wai donu". He then knows the Yaqona is a good mix and is ready to be served. He puts his hands together and circles the Tanoa with his hands, saying, " Qai darama saka tu na Yaqona Vakaturaga" (With respect the chiefs Yaqona is ready to drink). Then he cups his hands, claps three times and begins to serve the Yaqona in a Bilo (coconut shell cup). This will then be carefully taken to the chief in his personal bilo (all others will drink of the same cup). The chief will receive the bilo of Yaqona by cupping his hands and clapping with a deep, dignified sound. Then he will take his bilo and drink. As he is drinking everyone will clap in slow time, and when he is finished the herald will exclaim "Maca" and all will clap three times. The same will be repeated for the herald, but all will clap only twice when he is finished. For a time this process will be repeated, then once he feels it appropriate the herald will signal to the mixer to open the drinking of the Yaqona to everyone. He touches either side of the Tanoa and says "Taki vakavo Na Yaqona vaka Turaga" ( Now all may drink of the chiefs Yaqona) and will then clap twice. All will then be allowed to drink, following the order of seniority. Once the Tanoa is empty and the herald sees it fit to end the drinking session and not to mix again, he will signal to the mixer, who will then say "Qai maca saka tu na Yaqona Vakaturaga" (respectfully to you all, the chiefly Yaqona is finished)."