The Cibi ([ˈðimbi] DHIM-bee) is a Fijian meke of Bauan origin and war dance, generally performed before or after a battle. It came to prominence in the rugby field in 1939 when it was performed by the Fiji national rugby union team before the match. It is also known as Teivovo ("war fence", from tei voavoa "planting on abandoned land").[1][2]
The origins of the cibi date back to the country's warring times with their Pacific neighbours and intertribal 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. He approached Ratu Bola, the high chief of the warrior clan of Navusaradave in Bau,[3] who taught them the Cibi which has been adopted as Fiji's pre-match ritual ever since and went on to become the only team to remain unbeaten on a full tour of New Zealand.
| Fijian | Translation | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leader's command | Vakarau! Cibi! | Get ready! Cibi! | ||
| Leader's call | Tei vovo, tei vovo! | (twice) | The war-fence, the war-fence! | |
| Team response | E ya, e ya, e ya! | Oh, oh, oh![4] | ||
| Leader's call | Rai tu mai, rai tu mai! | (twice) | Look here, look here! | |
| Team response | Oi au a virviri kemu bai! | I attack your defences! | ||
| Leader's call | Tuletule buka! | (twice) | I turn the tree to uproot it! | |
| Team response | E ya! | Oh! | ||
| Together | Tuletule buka e sa dredre Tou vaka tosoya vakamalua E ya, e ya, e ya, e ya! |
The tree is out of the ground Slowly, we are able to move it. Oh, oh, oh, oh! | ||
The cibi had perhaps been used incorrectly though, as the word actually means "a celebration of victory by warriors", "a dance of triumph"[5] whereas bole or ibole is the acceptance of a challenge.[6] For this reason, the Cibi was replaced in 2012 with the new Bole[7] (pronounced [ˈᵐbole] mbo-lay) war cry. The Bole war cry has a lot more energy compared to the Cibi and seems far more fitting for the gruelling match that is about to commence, However, after the 2012 Pacific Nations Rugby Cup, the Cibi returned to be used.
Composed by Ratu Manoa Rasigatale, the Bole is translated as follows:[8]
| Fijian | English |
|
Teivovo, teivovo Rai tu mai, rai tu mai Iko na toa yalewa Luvu koto kina nomu waqa Tuletule buka e sa dredre |
I'm challenging you to be uprooted You think I'm afraid of you, You're only a hen, I'm the rooster, I will not be drowned, I can uproot you, |
