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A Fijian Feast

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 4, 1912

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 89, No. 1.

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A Fijian Feast

By A. M. WILLIAMS

A. M. WILLIAMS
DURING our council which was held at Viti Levu, we had the pleasure of witnessing a native feast, presented in native Fijian style.
As one of our business meetings was about to close, a request came from the outside asking that we adjourn, the meeting being rather a lengthy one, as a feast was prepared and waiting for us. As we passed out of the building, we saw a large company of people from Navala and the adjacent towns, awaiting us.
As we watched them, wondering what was going to take place, a company consisting of from twenty to thirty young women, approached, walking one behind the other, each carrying a large basket of food, and emptying its contents, which consisted of yam, taro, etc., already cooked, in a pile near us. Their part being performed, they drew aside and sat down on the ground near by.
A chief then stepped forward, kneeled down, and placing his hands upon the food, presented it to us, saying that they were glad to have us come to their district, and they wished to present to us their “small gift of love.”
Pauliasi, in a short speech, thanked the friends on behalf of our people for their kindness in remembering us in this way. Representatives from the various districts then went forward in turn, and placing their hands upon the food, expressed their thanks to the kind friends who had provided the feast. At each few words uttered the company clapped their hands in unison, at the same time uttering some exclamation, a Fijian custom of expressing thanks. Then they all sat down on the grass, and the food was passed around in baskets.
Formerly in heathen days food was thus presented to the gods, and the persons who placed their hands upon the food offered a prayer to these gods. The gods were entreated to be of one mind to let them all live; to sweep away all diseases; that they might be at peace with the king; that their enemies might be clubbed, etc. Since Christianity has been introduced, this prayer is not offered; but in its place the person who kneels before the food and places his hands upon it, presents the food and wishes the recipients success in whatever the undertaking may be. He also wishes them good health, long life, etc. In presenting the food to us, they wished us success in our meetings, the enjoyment of good health, and a pleasant stay in the community.