Cibi
The Cibi (IPA: [ðimbi]) is a Fijian Meke of Bauan origin and is a war dance, generally performed before battle or after battle, it came to prominence when it was performed by the Fiji national rugby union team before each match.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/77/Fiji_vs_Canada_RWC2007_cibi.jpg/305px-Fiji_vs_Canada_RWC2007_cibi.jpg)
Origins
The origins of the cibi date back to the country's warring times with their Pacific neighbours and inter tribal warfare. On their return home the warriors heralded their victory by displaying flags - one for every enemy slain. They were met by the women who would sing songs with accompanying gestures. The cibi was meant for open battle to inspire the troops, but it was sung with more vigour when the victorious army returned home to celebrate.
In 1939 when Fiji prepared for its first-ever tour of New Zealand, the captain, Ratu Sir George Cakobau, thought his team should have a war dance to match the All Blacks' haka. His team adopted the cibi and went on to become the only team to remain unbeaten on a full tour to New Zealand.
The Cibi
Fijian | English |
Ai tei vovo, tei vovo Rai tu mai, rai tu mai Toa yalewa, toa yalewa E luvu koto ki ra nomu waqa |
Make ready, make ready, Look here, look here, A rooster and a hen, Your ship is sunk below, |
See also
References
- Spoken Fijian: An Intensive Course in Bauan Fijian, with Grammatical Notes and Glossary By Rusiate T. Komaitai, Albert J. Schütz, Contributor Rusiate T Komaitai , Published 1971, Univ of Hawaii Pr , Foreign Language / Dictionaries / Phrase Books , ISBN 0870227467 used for translation