Kava Culture – What it’s All About?
Since kava is predominant in the islands, it has seep through every aspect of the islanders’ life. Kava is used in the islands for religious, medicinal, cultural, political, and social purposes. The cultures of the islands have given the plant high importance and great respect.
It is used primarily during social gatherings to increase amiability. For religious purposes, it is used by the priest and shamans to contact their gods and deity. It is used as sacramental offerings.
In the political arena, chieftains and the elders use the drink during important meetings such as hearings and passing judgment. It is also the drink of choice for special events, celebrations and special activities. It is also used as medicine by the islanders. It is used to relieve asthma, unclog urinary tracts, relieve rheumatism, cramps, stomach pains, and cure such ailments as boils, syphilis and gonorrhea. It is used for recreation and relaxation especially after work and sometimes induces some inspiration. Kava is also used to induce sleep, to help fight fatigue, and to calm nerves.
Though for some Westernized Pacific peoples, the drink is seen as a vice like alcohol, and westernized youth often reject its traditional use. However, there is a growing cult following amongst the youth of Caucasians living in Pacific islands regarding the use of kava.
