Ni sa bula vinaka.
If you plan to visit Moon Reef, or Makalati, as it is known locally, you might be interested in its cultural significance to the “yavusa” (or tribe) called Lau in the village of Silana. The village of Silana is located in a north easterly direction to, and which can be seen from, the resort.
Our forefathers believed that when a person dies, his/her spirit is sent to a paradise. The journey starts off with the spirit going to Udukula Point . At this point, there is a series of steps which lead to two large stones. Oral tradition has it that souls use the large stones as diving boards to jump to the Moon Reef.
The reef contains two points. Every tribe in Fiji has a totem tree, a tribal animal and/or fish. The Tahitian Chestnut is the totem tree of the “yavusa” Lau of Silana Village. One of the points of Moon Reef resembles the roots of the Tahitian Chestnut Tree and it is called by us as the “Ucuna e Waka ni Ivi” or the Point Resembling the Roots of The Tahitian Chestnut. Oral tradition states that roots of this tree were actually seen at this point in days gone by.
The second point is located almost opposite the above. Stories related by our forefathers state that when a member of the Yavusa is about to die, a light, rather like can be seen burning at this point.
Beyond these two points is the home of the dolphins or, ‘babale’, as they are called in Fijian. Traditional folklore says that the dolphins are there to entertain the spirits residing at Moon Reef.
Next to the dolphins’ home is a stretch of white sand. This is the ground where residents of Moon Reef partake in the sport of “veitiqa” – the Fijian version of javelin throwing.
In the past, clay pots used to be seen to the south of this playground. It is believed that the pots were used to cook food for the spirits.
As you will have no doubt recognised, Moon Reef is highly treasured by the ‘yavusa’ Lau. It is forbidden to discard rubbish into it. It is also forbidden to be noisy or behave in ways which demeans its status.
Traditional folklore states that two sharks guard the reef. One is called “Bera a Ua” (Faster than Waves) and the other is called “Bera a Lolo” (Faster than High Tide).
While Moon Reef may simply be a beautiful dive spot for you, it carries immense cultural significance for us, the ‘Yavusa’ Lau.
Vuniyani Dakuwaqa
On behalf of the Yavusa Lau
Silana Village, Dawasamu
