Fiji's Fearless Fire Walkers

Fijians did not always walk on fire. This tradition began about 500 years ago in the small highland village of Nakarovu on Beqa Island.

Legend has it that Tuinaivikalita, a young man seeking the favor of a village elder, went in search of an eel to give as a gift.After digging a small hole near a stream, he grabbed and grabbed the slippery eel, until finally he pulled it squirming out of a muddy hole. When the creature screamed, Tuinaivikalita realized that instead of an eel, he had caught one of Fiji's elusive little people; a spirit god known locally as a "veli."

Veli begged Tuinaivikalita to release him, promising him all sorts of rewards, which he refused.Finally, when Veli offered him and his descendants power over fire, Tuinaivikalita was intriguing. Feeling this, Veli dug a hole, lined it with river stones and set them on fire in a fire until they turned white from the heat. Then, jumping over the smoldering stones, the “veli” beckoned Tuinaivikalita to follow him. With great skepticism, Tuinaivikalita entered the fiery pit, but was not burned. Then he realized that the leader was true to his promise, so he released him.

To this day, power over fire is transmitted only through the bloodline of Tuinaivikalita to members of the Savau Beki tribe. They demonstrate this extraordinary gift during the fire walking ceremony.

Firewalking is a serious matter, and preparation for it begins many days in advance. To discipline their mind, body and spirit, men follow strict protocols, for example, abstain from things like coconuts or sex. Ignoring this can displease the spirits and lead to serious burns.

A few hours before the ceremony begins, the performers dig a hole (12-15 feet in diameter and 3-4 feet deep) and fill it with massive river stones. A large fire is built over the hole to heat the stones white. When the fire subsides, a few selected men pierce the stones with long poles to stabilize them. Finally, leaves are placed in the hole to bless it before removing excess ash and charcoal.

At a signal from the ceremonial priest - usually a direct descendant of Tuinaivikalita - a group of firewalkers enter the arena, chanting, and carefully walks over the hot stones one by one.

When each man conquers the fire pit, they end the ceremony with more chanting and sacrificing their fern bracelets to the pit. A few days later, the bracelets are removed, crushed and mixed with a tonic that the firewalkers consume to complete the ritual.