DID you know that Qoma Island on the east coast of Viti Levu off Tailevu Point is home to the world’s only magical bamboo plant otherwise known as the Bitu ni Ceva? If you visit the island, villagers will tell you the story behind the sacred bamboo that is located on top of a hill on Wairiki, on the second island known as Qoma Levu.
Home to the traditional fishermen of the Turaga na Ratu mai Verata, natives of the island believe that if the leaves of the bamboo are shaken by a human, there will be eight days and nights of strong winds.
Legend has it the Bitu ni Ceva was a gift given by Lutunasobasoba to the people of Qoma. When they are out fishing and there is no wind to take them back home, a villager would then go up the hill and ruffle the leaves allowing the southerly wind to blow and safely guide the fishermen home.
According to a myth, Lutunasobasoba had planted his comb while resting on the hill on Wairiki. In his haste to leave the island after being disturbed, he forgot the comb and from the very same spot, grew a bamboo plant that is now the Bitu ni Ceva.
Visitors to the islands are not allowed to take pictures of the sacred plant.
