The Origin of Kava in Fiji
In Fijian oral tradition, the origin of kava (yaqona) is tied to a sacred ritual. According to legend, a chief and his followers were instructed by the gods to perform a ceremonial planting. From a specific plant, the roots were discovered to produce a potent drink that connected the drinker to the spirit world. The preparation and drinking of kava became central to Fijian ceremony, used to honor ancestors, settle disputes, and communicate with deities like Degei. The kava ceremony remains the most important cultural ritual in Fiji, with strict protocols governing its preparation, serving, and