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Fijian Culture: What to Expect on Your Fiji Vacation

Fiji is increasingly connected to the rest of the world. The islands now have high-speed Wi-Fi and a high number of international flights into Nadi International Airport. Plus, each year more and more visitors are flocking to Fiji’s beautiful beaches, giving native Fijians a look at foreign customs and cultures. However, for thousands of years, Fiji was incredibly isolated in the South Pacific.

Beginnings of Fijian Culture

Historical information suggests that Fiji was first populated 3,500 years ago. But it wasn’t until the mid-1600’s that Europeans reached this set of islands. In the interim, native Fijians developed a robust set of traditions, architecture, arts, and social constructions. The core of Fijian culture developed undisturbed by European influence, and many of those cultural aspects remain today.

Of course, once British colonists landed in Fiji, certain traditions and cultural norms disappeared. One of the most infamous parts of Fijian culture, cannibalism, fell by the wayside. Cannibalism has long been taboo in western countries, but in several Eastern and African cultures, cannibalism was a standard religious or spiritual practice. In Fiji, cannibalism was associated with dominance and revenge over enemies. The last known incident of cannibalism in Fiji was on the island of Taveuni in the mid-1800s.

Fijian culture today is a mish-mash of its Melanesian beginnings, Indian immigrants, British colonization, and laidback island influence. It’s a fascinating and diverse set of cultural norms and customs that you’ll encounter on your Fiji vacation at Raiwasa Private Resort.

Embrace Genuine Happiness

Fijians are frequently considered the world’s happiest people, which is easy to imagine when you see the beautiful landscapes and coral reefs in the archipelago. However, most Fijians live in simple accommodation, with simple amenities and infrastructure. The average local in Fiji doesn’t live in the lap of luxury that’s provided for visitors. Yet, a pillar of modern Fijian culture is a positive approach to life.

While living modestly and without many of the conveniences that visitors consider “essential,” Fijians have a true zest for life. This outlook manifests as happiness, warmth, and joy that is incredibly infectious for visitors to the islands. While you are on a Fiji vacation, be certain to embrace this affirmative part of the local culture.

Giving and Receiving on the Islands

A Fijian custom that always impresses visitors is the importance of gift giving. As a cultural practice, gift giving has origins in religious and ceremonial offerings. As well as, deep roots in Fiji’s communal society.

For much of the country’s history, and still today, Fijians provide food offerings to ancestors and gods. In return, Fijians see favor, good luck, and better health. Frequently, these offerings of oxen or whole pigs are made during a communal ceremony. Attending a Fijian ceremony, whether for a holiday, wedding, or religious festival, is an incredible experience, but few visitors have this opportunity.

On a smaller scale, Fijians are constantly engaged in acts of hospitality and charity. It could be a cold beverage as your wait for a tour to begin or an admired trinket. Time and again, visitors to Fiji are amazed at the community-mindedness and ease with which Fijians give away their possessions.

Passing Down Skill in Handicrafts

You’ll certainly want to bring something home from Fiji to remember your Fiji vacation. Luckily, the skills and knowledge to create beautiful handicrafts are alive and well across the islands. Typically, girls learn to weave baskets and sculpt pottery at a young age. These skills increase over years of practice and guidance from elder members of the community, and several of Fiji’s best artists are creators of stunning bowls, plates, and baskets.

Men are introduced to a different set of talents. Boys are tasked with carving kava bowls, spears, and even war clubs. While many of these items have less practical application in modern Fijian culture, the level of skill needed to shape traditional spears and war clubs is impressive. Visitors often find authentic, non-manufactured versions, of these souvenirs for sale in local villages or through their hotel or resort.

Another highly desired souvenir is Fiji’s famous black pearls. Finding and harvesting these pearls is not an easy task, but on Taveuni and certain other islands, pearl farms are a long-standing tradition. You can learn about the pearl industry on Taveuni and even purchase these natural wonders.

Planning for a Fiji Vacation

Do you have more questions about your Fiji vacation, such as the best place to stay in the islands? Talk to our team at Raiwasa Private Resort about our emphasis on experiential, transformative travel and focus on elite accommodation. We’re ready to introduce you to the best of Fijian culture.