Page 4 - Fiji Traveller 2024 Issue 6

January/Janueri
Vula i Nuqa Levu
January is named for the nuqa, or the rabbit fish, a delicacy
which should be in abundance this month. Shellfish such
as kaikoso, kuku, kolakola, tadruku (chiton), and bosucu
(edible sea slug) will also be plentiful.
However we should let lairo (land crabs) spawn in peace.
Drose (edible jellyfish) are also abundant.
Ivi (Polynesian chestnut), uto (breadfruit) and mangoes,
dawa (lychees), and wi (ambarella) continue to fruit.
The damanu hardwood tree, the lagakali, bua ni Viti and
caucau (used for scented oil or garlands) are blooming.

February/Feperueri
February/Feperueri
Vula i Sevu
Vula i Sevu
This month marks the first harvests, which are presented
to chiefs and to God, through a thanksgiving service
This month marks the first harvests, which are presented
referred to as ai sevu.
to chiefs and to God, through a thanksgiving service
The front of the pulpit is usually filled with crops from the
referred to as ai sevu.
different households. Lololo (small sheds) are built to store
The front of the pulpit is usually filled with crops from the
these first harvests.
different households. Lololo (small sheds) are built to store
Wi and dawa are amongst the fruits you will see, and ivi
these first harvests.
(Polynesian chestnuts) abound.
Wi and dawa are amongst the fruits you will see, and ivi
This can be one of the hottest and most humid times of
(Polynesian chestnuts) abound.
the year. Dakua salusalu, a hardwood endemic to Fiji, also
This can be one of the hottest and most humid times of
flowers.
the year. Dakua salusalu, a hardwood endemic to Fiji, also
flowers.
March/Maji
Vula i Kelikeli
March is marked by rainy weather and thunderstorms, as
we near the end of the cyclone season.
Gasau (reeds) begin to flower.
It is planting season for kumala (sweet potatoes) and
harvest time for yams (especially uvi balavu) and duruka
(Fijian asparagus).
Ivi, avocados and certain types of breadfruit are plentiful.
Mana (mud lobsters), qari and kuka (crabs) grace many
meals, making up for the reduced fishing haul this month Illustrations: Albert Rolls
usually sees.
The dilio (Golden Plover) start their migration back to
Alaska to breed in this month.

The Fijian calendar is based on planting and fishing season, and is divided into 11 months rather than 12.
‘Vula’ means ‘moon’ and is also the Fijian word for ‘month’.

With thanks to Tokani: Friends of the Fiji Museum

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