349 FEEJEE GROUP. 
a 
The months always begin with the new moon, which is called Vula 
vou. When it is first seen, it is celebrated by shouting and beating of 
drums. This takes place particularly on Vanua-levu, or the Buia land, 
as it is sometimes called. 
Connected with the seasons, is a singular ceremony, called Tambo 
Nalanga, which takes place in the month of November, and lasts four 
days. At the commencement, the most influential matanivanua, or 
landholder, goes, just at sunset, without the koro, or town, and invokes, 
in a loud voice, the spirit of the sky for his blessing, good crops, &c. ; 
after which a general beating of sticks and drums, and blowing of 
conchs, takes place for half an hour. During this festival every one 
remains shut up, without labour; and so strictly is it kept, that not even 
a leaf is plucked during this period, nor is any work carried on, and 
all the offal, &c., is retained in the houses. The men, during this 
period, live in the mbure, and feast upon the balolo, a curious sort of 
salt-water worm, of a green colour, which makes its appearance about 
this time; this is eaten either raw or cooked, as suits their fancy. It 
is generally obtained at Wakaia. At daylight, on the expiration of the 
four days, (or rather nights, for they count by nights instead of days,) 
the whole town is in an uproar, both men and boys scampering about, 
knocking at the houses with clubs and sticks, crying out “ Sinariba,” 
after which the ordinary routine takes place. This ceremony, I was 
told, was only practised in the district subject to Tui Levuka. 
The arms of the Feejees consist of spears, clubs, bows and arrows. 
The spears are of various lengths, from ten to fifteen feet; they are 
made of cocoa-nut wood, and are used at times with great dexterity. 
Some parts of them are wound round with sennit. They are pointed, 
and the end charred. I have seldom observed any that had any other 
pointing to them, although sharp bone is sometimes used. These spears 
are called motu. 
They have several kinds of clubs, made from the casuarina (iron- 
wood). That which they prize most for their fights is called maloma. 
The larger end of this is generally the part of a tree next the root. It 
MALOMA, 
is about three and a half feet long, and very heavy. They frequently 
have a variety of figures carved upon it. 
The second kind of long club is peculiar to the chief, and is called 
