Fiji's History

Prior to the arrival of Europeans, Fiji was called Viti by its native people. These natives were a blend of Micronesian, Polynesian and Melanesian cultures and lived a relatively harmonious life dating back approximately 2500 years. In 1643, Abel Tasman set sail to Indonesia and stumbled upon the islands that are now know as Fiji. Nobody returned to see these islands until Captain James Cook, 130 years later. At this time people avoided the Fiji islands due to the reputation of the people as being 'crazed cannibals'.

During the late 19th Century the High Chief of Fiji ceeded the Islands to Queen Victoria and Britain controlled their colonial subjects until Independence in 1970. Fiji is now a Republic with a democratic parliamentary system similar to other Western Countries. Also in the 19th Century many Christian missionaries came to live and preach. At present nearly all Fijian are Christians and many practice their faith enthusiastically.

Multicultural Life

With around 800 000 people living in Fiji it is the most populated in the South Pacific. Fiji is a multi-cultural society with more than 50% being indigenous Fijians and about 44% Indians (primarily Hindu and Muslim belief). Others that populate the island include Banabans, Polynesian Rotumans, and Tuvaluans and some European and Chinese settlers.

The Fijians
The Indigenous Fijians adhere to a traditional system that involves a hierarchical ladder with the chief at the top. Most Fijians still bind to village life where clans of people live on the same land that is controlled by the chief. The chiefs power and his family claims are hereditary. The common people do not have any substantial say in the goings on of the village and traditionally Fijian women are not treated as equals when making decisions in the family. This is the traditional way of life for Fijians although some of the village people leave the village to work in towns or other countries. Those away from home are still expected to contribute to their village and provide financial support. Many of the younger generation Fijians find this tradition difficult to live by due to western influence.

Fiji-Indians
Indians that reside in Fiji are the descendants of labourers brought over to work the sugar cane plantations in the late 1800's. Many of the Indians assumed residency in Fiji even though the contracts that they were under lasted only five years. The Indians dominate the business and sugarcane industry of Fiji today and make up 44% of Fiji's population.

Rotumans
The Polynesian island of Rotuma is a state of Fiji however is quite different in its culture and tradition from the native Fijians. Families structures differ in that the Rotumans have individual houses with distinct boarders, The people in the villages are not particularly controlled by the chiefs and the village clan. Women in Rotuma are also treated with greater respect here and have primary responsibilities in family decision making. Rotumans are known for their good nature and fun humor.

Fijian Lifestyle

The country of Fiji is situated in the South Pacific Seas, 22o south of the equator and near the 180o meridian. The country consists of 333 islands, some so small that you can walk around their white sandy beaches in only a few minutes! The country is organized into seven remarkable island groups which surround Viti Levu, the largest and busiest of the group [link to map of Fiji]. Rotuma and the Lau group are the only areas that present any challenge to access as all the other island groups are situated in close proximity to the main island and transport via boat or plane is convenient to arrange. Many of the islands are volcanic in nature and have endless trekking and beach seeking possibilities.

Conduct & Taboos

In Fiji, there are many codes and rituals that are sill practised on a day to day basis. In visiting Fiji, it is helpful to be aware of some of these traditions in order to be respectful to the locals particularly when visiting a village or being introduced to a chief. Here is a list of some things to keep on the top of your mind when experiencing Fijian culture.

Do's and Don'ts in and out of the village:

• Do's and Don'ts in and out of the village:
• Do not show up to a village uninvited
• Do bring a sevusevu (yaqona or waka root offering) to present to the chief upon arrival as this is the traditional way of saying thank-you
• Do accept invitations to dine with villagers
• Do leave your shoes outside when entering the bures
• Do not question the chiefs authority or push Fijians to discuss politics
• Do not wear hats or caps in the village (wear sunscreen!)
• Do take your sunglasses off when being introduced to others
• Do not camp outside a bure if you have been offered a place to sleep as it can embarrass your hosts
• Do contribute to food costs if staying in a village
• Do respect that Sundays are a day of rest in Fiji
• Do ask permission before taking photos of people and DO consider sending the person you took the photo of a copy
• Do not be too free in you PDA's (Public Displays of Affection) as this could offend the locals
• Do not sunbathe topless or in skimpy attire when outside of the tourist zones
• Do wear long skirts, pants and shirts that cover your shoulders when integrating into the Fijian lifestyle
• Do not walk into the village with something slung over your shoulders, always carry items in your hands
• Do not touch a Fijians head or hair, it is the most sacred part of the body
• Do not purposeful eat turtle meat as it is illegal
• Do not eat meat the same day you visit a religious Indian Hindi temple
• Do support local Fijian economy and choose tours, resorts and services that are culturally and environmentally sensitive