Kava in Fiji

The traditional national beverage of Fijiis made from the crushed root of the Kava plant and the drink is known as "yaqona" (pronounced yang-GO-na). It is a mildly narcotic sedative drink that has been used in religious and socialceremonies for centuries. The roots of the kava plant are ground into a pulp and mixed withwater to create a light brown coloured liquidknown in Fiji as the "Kava gold" which is then strained into a drink.

In Fiji,yaqona is regarded as a symbol of hospitality, friendship, and socialharmony. It is used as a traditional offering to welcome guests and to build relationships betweenpeople. Fijians even share Kava to settle conflicts among villagers. Kava ceremonies in Fiji are conducted in a formal manner, with a host leading the ceremony. Participants are expected to dress modestly and present the host with a Kava root. They sit in a circlearound the host and drink from a communal bowl,passing it around ina circlewhile chanting and clapping in specific ways. The traditional Kava ceremony is said to be filled willlaughs and smiles.