u/Fun-Implement-5867

It is very quiet here. So...here is an oldie but a goody.

The tragic and poignant story of a young Fijian Princess is the legend behind the origin of Fiji's unique flower, the Tagimocia. 

The Tagimoucia, pronounced tang-ee-mow-theea, is unique to Fiji – in fact, it can only be found in two locations – on the island of Taveuni and in certain areas of Fiji’s second largest island, Vanua Levu, and then only at elevations in excess of 600 meters.

The legend surrounding the origin of the tagimoucia is poignant to say the least.  The flower came into existence, so at least one version of the legend says, long ago when a beautiful princess from Taveuni was pledged in marriage to an ugly old chief as part of a political settlement.  

In the meantime, a search party was combing the bush, and in due course, she was found beside the lake beneath the vine with its blooms. She had died from exhaustion and grief, and those who saw her beneath the flowers knew that her death would be forever remembered.

They named the flower the tagimoucia –“ to cry in one’s sleep’. It may be found beside Uluigalau’s crater lake, high in the misty slopes of Taveuni, recalling a beautiful princess and her tragic death.

All attempts to transplant the flower from Taveuni, including one to move it to the higher elevations of Mount Victoria, which is Fiji’s highest mountain, on Viti Levu, have failed so far despite ideal conditions.  However, you can sometimes find the flower in your wallet. It is represented on Fiji’s $50 bank note. The representational design of the tagimoucia flowers on the note is based on the pictures you see here, which were taken by James Siers.  

So we privatised. We got some money. Some people got some shares. I didn't get mine; must have been lost in the mail-no, they just would not issue them, go figure. Not to worry, privatisation would bring in all sorts of efficiencies. Really in a monopoly? Where are the shareholders, not the people? ok, so there is that. I tried to get one power post installed- the quote was 2 years until installation. And now - I read-tell me I am wrong - please -that 40% of the power generated just vanishes-how much is that cost inflating our bills? I'm sure it is all way more complicated than that. But...

The Tuki Lali beating out the message that a Veiqaravi Vakavanua Vakaturaga ceremony is about to begin. This ceremony is of great importance in Fiji culture, as is the centrality that Kava (yaqona) plays in it, as well as the presentation of tabua (sperm whale's teeth) and oven-cooked food and clothing. This is living culture in action.

The ceremony has been refined over time to best express respect for, and adherence to, social structures and diplomatic norms of behavior. It disarms potential or actual protagonists by peeling off or removing differences occasioned by time, distance, and space; physically, emotionally, and spiritually, allowing a coming together to face mutual relations.

Since there has been so much interest in my recent post on this subject, I have just expanded this piece to include the killing and eating of Reverend Baker—including a primary source account from someone who actually participated.

Utilizing A.B. Brewster’s 1922 records (The Hill Tribes of Fiji), the article now uncovers:

• The Sacred Tooth Trail: How a tabua (whale's tooth) acted as a fatal contract through the hills.
• The Great Boot Debate: Why the Vatusila people fiercely resented the popular myth that they tried to eat Reverend Baker's leather boots.
• The Kava-Circle Confession: The chilling, direct recording from the old chief regarding the actual flashpoint of the incident.

I've also added pictures from the Fiji Museum showing Reverend Baker's actual Bible, the shallow dish in which his cooked flesh was offered to a high chief, and the ai cula ni bokola (cannibal fork) used during the event.

The same link still works, but if you want to jump straight into the updated history, artifacts, and death drum audio, check out the link I've just dropped in the comments below!

Before the arrival of Christianity, the intense echo of the Lali ni Bokola (death drum) signaled a grim fate for captured enemies brought back to the village.

I put together a historical deep dive into how tribal conflict operated, the rules of the chiefs, and tracked down the original audio rhythm of the drum so you can hear history for yourself.

Tap here to read the history and listen to the audio:  https://buladenarau.com/cannibal-kings/

Learn about the ceremony, the central place yaqona or kava holds, and the presentation of tabua (sperm whales teeth) and lovo )earth oven cooked food) and clothing in this pinnacle of living Fijian Culture. https://buladenarau.com/a-royal-welcome/

Learn about the Veiqaravi Vakavanua Vakaturaga ceremony, its importance and the centrality that Kava (yaqona) plays in it, as well as the presentation of tabua (sperm whales teeth) and oven cooked food and clothing. This is living culture in action.