Lovo Pits, Food And Merry-Making Graces Matokana Village In Lau

The people of Matokana Vil­lage at Onolevu, Lau, yes­terday celebrated Christ­mas in their respective clans (mataqali) – Naceva, Raviravi and Daku.

Village headman Josefa Nadavo said it was a good celebration and their visitors enjoyed meeting up with their village relatives.

In the morning, he said the en­tire village was covered in smoke emanating from the many lovo pits.

The women from each mataqali were engaged in baking cakes, scones, steamed pudding (pu­rini), pie and bread for Christmas breakfast.

As usual, he said during lunch the women would take food (taki­taki) to other clans. The three main dishes for lunch were fish, pork and chicken.

The Naceva clan will also be commemorating the 100th night of the passing of their clan chief.

“The mourning will be lifted as well as the various taboos from the family members. We call this the ‘vakataraisulu’ ceremony,” he said. This will take place on De­cember 28.

The entire village will also be in­volved, he said.

Matokana Village is located on the western side of Onolevu Is­land, near the airstrip.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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