EUSTOMS OF THE FEERIJEE GROUP. 91 
live in the mbure, when they feast upon the balolo,* a curious species 
of salt-water worm, which makes its appearance at this season, for one 
day, while the women and boys remain shut up in the houses. No 
labour is permitted, no work carried on; and so strictly is this rule 
observed, that not even a leaf is plucked; and the offal is not removed 
from the houses. At daylight on the expiration of the fourth night, the 
whole town is in an uproar, and men and boys scamper about, knock- 
ing with clubs and sticks at the doors of the houses, crying out, “ Sina- 
riba.” This concludes the ceremony, and the usual routine of affairs 
goes on thenceforth as usual. 
At Ambau a grand festival takes place at the ingathering of the 
fruits. This is called Batami mbulu (the spirit below or in the earth). 
On this occasion a great feast is held, and the king, chiefs, and people 
walk in procession, with great pomp and ceremony, to Viwa, where 
they pay homage to the spirit. I was unable to obtain further details 
of this festival, but its object was explained to be a return of thanks for 
the fruits of the earth. 
The marriages of the Feejeeans are sanctioned by religious ceremo- 
nies, and, among the high chiefs, are attended with much form and 
parade. As at all other ceremonies, ava drinking forms an essential 
part. The ambati, or priest, takes a seat, having the bridegroom on his 
right and the bride on the left hand. He then invokes the protection of 
the god or spirit upon the bride, after which he leads her to the bride- 
groom, and joins their hands, with injunctions to love, honour, and 
obey, to be faithful and die with each other. 
During this ceremony, the girls are engaged in chewing the ava, on 
which the priest directs the water to be poured, and cries out “ Ai 
sevu.” He then calls upon all the gods of the town or island. He 
takes care to make no omission, lest the neglected deity should inflict 
injury on the couple he has united. He concludes the ceremony by 
calling out “ Mana” (it is finished); to which the people respond 
« Ndina” (it is true). 
For the marriage of a woman, the consent of her father, mother, 
and brother is required, and must be asked by the intended husband. 
Even if the father and mother assent, the refusal of the brother will 
prevent the marriage; but, with his concurrence, it may take place, 
even if both father and mother oppose. In asking a woman in mar- 
riage, rolls of tapa, whales’ teeth, provisions, &c., are sometimes pre- 
* The balolo is obtained at Wakaia, and is eaten both cooked and raw, as suits the fancy, 
and from it November receives its name. 
