Cibi

What is Cibi?

This tradition is a Fijian meke with roots in the Bau region. It serves as a war dance designed to inspire troops during open battle or to celebrate a victorious return home. Warriors would display flags representing enemies slain while women sang accompanying songs with gestures. The name translates to a celebration of victory or a dance of triumph. It functions as a communal performance that blends martial pride with ceremonial song.

Where does Cibi come from?

The practice emerged during periods of intertribal warfare among Pacific neighbours. Its modern prominence began in 1939 when the Fiji national rugby union team toured New Zealand. Captain Ratu Sir George Cakobau sought a war dance to counter the All Blacks' haka. He consulted Ratu Bola, a high chief of the Navusaradave warrior clan in Bau, who taught the team the ritual. The squad remained unbeaten on that tour, cementing the dance as their standard pre-match custom.

How is Cibi danced?

Dancers arrange themselves in a group formation typical of a meke. Men perform the martial aspects while women provide vocal support through song and hand gestures. The choreography involves displaying flags to signify battlefield success. The movements are vigorous and intended to project strength and unity. The physical actions are synchronized with the rhythmic chanting to create an intimidating presence for opponents.

The music of Cibi

The accompaniment relies entirely on human voices rather than instruments. Women sing specific songs that match the rhythm of the dancers' movements. The men lead chants that declare victory and challenge rivals. The tempo increases in energy when celebrating a homecoming after battle. The vocal style is direct and forceful, designed to carry across open spaces without musical backing.

Costume and what is carried

Participants wear traditional attire appropriate for the Bau region context. Warriors hold flags that serve as symbols of combat achievements. Each flag represents a defeated enemy in historical contexts. The visual impact comes from the collective display of these banners. No masks or complex props are used beyond the symbolic flags.

When and where Cibi is danced

The dance is performed before competitive matches, particularly rugby games. It originated as a rite for warriors returning from conflict. The team uses it to establish psychological dominance over visiting sides. Although briefly replaced by the Bole war cry in 2012, the Cibi returned after a match against Tonga. It remains the primary ritual for the Flying Fijians during international tours.

Styles of Cibi

The dance has two distinct phases: the initial challenge and the subsequent victory celebration. A newer variant called the Bole was introduced in 2012 to replace the Cibi temporarily. The Bole is translated as the acceptance of a challenge and features higher energy levels. However, the team reverted to the original Cibi format after the 2012 Pacific Nations Rugby Cup. The distinction between the two chants lies in their specific ceremonial purposes.

What Cibi means

The Cibi holds significant status as a symbol of Fijian identity and martial heritage. It bridges ancient tribal traditions with modern sports culture. The ritual demonstrates how indigenous practices adapt to global stages. Its adoption by the rugby team highlights its role in national pride. The dance preserves the memory of intertribal conflicts while promoting contemporary unity.

Questions people ask about Cibi

Good reading and sources

• Cibi on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos and video on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data
• Videos of Cibi on YouTubeSearch results, not chosen by Ghungroo