THE iTaukei custom of bulubulu (reconciliation), which is a practice done to appease and seek reconciliation from families of women who elope with their partners, has been labelled as inept.
Speaking during a training workshop for traditional leaders within Wailevu district in Cakaudrove, iTaukei Affairs Ministry training officer Niumaia Gucake said the practice was becoming an excuse for couples to elope.
Mr Gucake condemned the practice, adding that it gave people the leeway to commit adultery.
He said these days, the practice was a joyful one, full of gaiety as women and children attend the event in bus loads.
Referring to another practice known as the ilakovi done to the family of a woman to seek her hand in marriage, Mr Gucake said these days it was becoming an expensive exercise. He said in the past the practice involved the presentation of a single tabua (whale’s tooth) to seek a woman’s hand in marriage.
This has changed and Mr Gucake says the practice nowadays involves the presentation of whales tooth, drums of kerosene, bales of cloth and other gifts.
