Part 2 - Grog in Fiji, a Time-Honoured Tradition

Grog ceremonies are a space for reflection, discussion and resolving conflicts. It is deep routed in Fijian culture and offers an authentic glimpse into the heart of this remarkable country. 

A strict procedure is followed during a grog ceremony. 

The preparation - The roots of the Kava plant are washed, dried and peeled before being pounded into a fine powder. This is traditionally done by the men in the village.

The offering – Once prepped, grog is kneaded with water in a beautiful carved and polished wooden bowl called a Tanoa. The Tanoa is positioned in the centre of the ceremony.

The seating arrangement – Those partaking in a grog ceremony, sit cross legged around the tanoa. Most of our grog ceremonies happened in people’s houses however during the wedding, every corner you turned in the village there was a small ceremony taking place. The most respected members of the village sit ‘above the bowl’, next to the chief. The seating arrangement represents status in the village, to sit above the bowl without being asked to would be deemed disrespectful.

The ceremony – The chief initiates when the ceremony is about to begin. A respected member of the community serves the chief first and then works their around everyone else. Grog is served in a coconut shell (Bilo) and one is shared by the entirety of those partaking (this is how half the volunteers ended up with tonsilitis). When the grog makes its way round to you, you clap once to accept it, shout ‘Yandra!’ (or Bula, if you’re not in Ra), and then clap three times to show your appreciation. You’re supposed to drink it all in one go. ‘Chasers’ are often provided, these consisted of anything from lollipops to dry instant noodles to cassava.

Hop-Hop – Despite this traditional ceremony, don’t be surprised if music blares out of nowhere and someone taps you on the shoulder – this is your queue to dance. One by one everyone is tapped in, and a dance party starts in the middle of the ceremony. You can expect anything from hip shaking to conga lines and trust me when I say the Fijians can dance.

Halfway through the project Nani, one of the youth, was invited into a grog ceremony by a local police officer. The next morning, she announced that she was going to the city as she had been recruited to join the police. I’d say this is a prime example of the power of grog. Grog ceremonies are a celebration of life, culture, and the bonds that tie us together, no matter where we come from.