Kava Rituals in the South Pacific Islands
There are many rituals and ceremonies attributed to kava since it is widely available in the islands. Kava is mainly used during recreational and social gatherings. It is used as a social drink for high-ranking chiefs and elders. It is drank as a form of welcome for honored guests. It is consumed before and after the completion of an event or of work, observe births, marriages, and deaths in order to validate status, remedy illnesses, relieve stress, etc.
It is the drink of choice for chiefs and elders during rituals. Many were pardoned for their crimes and transgressions after kava ceremonies. The sharing of a bowl of kava allows for friendship and socialization to occur. It is a way of cementing friendship. The mere fact of presenting others with a kava root is viewed as sign of welcome and peace.
Kava drinking is usually the only way to welcome honored visitors. Pope John Paul II drank it as well as Former First Lady Mrs. Johnson upon their visit to the Pacific. In Hawaiian culture, kava is drank during naming of children aged one year, divination ceremonies, initiating of young girls into traditional hula and chanting, and the consecrating of a male child. In Tikopia, it sustains sacred symbols and is used as a religious libation and poured onto the ground, not drank.
On Wallis Island, only during the kava ceremonies that official decisions and proclamations are made. It is also during these ceremonies that enemies are reconciled and goodwill is restored. In Fiji, kava permits priest and participants to communicate with the supernatural.
