Our experience is that the people of Fiji are fond of singing and want you to join in. Some of the songs are easy to learn and there is one song in particular that has a place in our hearts : Isa Lei - the farewell song.
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 | Fiji Local Customs | Tips 41 - 50 of 74 |  | ||
Popular Local Customs | Miscellaneous Local Customs Tips | All Tips (74)
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 | Don't be afraid to try the... |   |  |
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 on August 24, 2002 |
Don't be afraid to try the local cava when offered to you. It's meant as a friendly gesture and can be considered impolite to refuse. It does whether look or taste good, but the traditions around the serving and sharing of cava is interesting and fun to participate in. Our experience is that the people of Fiji are fond of singing and want you to join in. Some of the songs are easy to learn and there is one song in particular that has a place in our hearts : Isa Lei - the farewell song. |
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on August 26, 2002 | | ||
| 'Bula' means hello and you... | | |
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 on August 24, 2002 |
'Bula' means hello and you will hear this alot. 'Venaka' is thankyou. The fijians have a very laid back attitude and are never in a hurry - learn to deal with this. |
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on January 13, 2005
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| fire walking | | |
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 |  on July 31, 2007 |
About 500 years ago, an old man in the village, Dredre (meaning love), told stories to the people but only after they first gave him a gift. Tunaiviqalita, promised to give Dredre a fresh eel as a gift and Dredre agreed to tell him stories once he gave him the eel. Tunaiviqalita followed a small stream near the village in his search for an eel. As he moved upstream he came across a big rock i. He put his hand under the rock hoping to catch an eel but instead felt something soft and warm, so he pulled it out. In his hand was a perfect tapa cloth undamaged by the water. The tapa cloth was wound around something that he could feel moving inside. He unwound the tapa and a small man jumped out shouting "Don't kill me, give me life, I will make you the strongest man on the island." Tunaiviqalita replied "I am already the strongest man on the island and I will kill you". Then the small man said, "Don't kill me and I will make you very rich". To which the young man replied "I don't know what money is. I have no need for it." Then the small man said, "If you don't kill me I will give you the gift of walking on fire and then bury you for four nights but you will unhurt and still be living." Tunaiviqalita replied, "I don't want all of that I just want to be able to walk on fire". The small man said, "Then so be it as long as the sun rises and the sun sets your descendants will be able to walk on fire." Tunaiviqalita did not believe him and said, "First you must show me." So they built a fire under stones which after many hours became red hot. The small man said, "Follow me," then he danced and danced on the hot stones without any ill effect. Tunaiviqalita followed him onto the hot stones and sang with happiness as he realised what a powerful gift he had been given by the small man. The descendants of Tunaiviqalita are in the villages of Rookwa, Dakubeqa, Dakuni, Soliyaga and Naceva are still able to walk on fire. |
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| Bribes | | |
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 |  on August 1, 2006 |
Bribing people is a part of the culture in Fiji. Although I don't at all condone this sort of behaviour, it may be handy for you to know if you need to get yourself out of a sticky situation. Eg. If you get pulled over for speeding, you can hand the police officer F$10 and he'll let you go without a fine. |
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| Bula is hello in fijian. You... | | |
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 on August 25, 2002 |
Bula is hello in fijian. You are not expected to tip in fiji |
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| Village etiquette | | |
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 |  on April 19, 2006 |
Cities and tourist destinations are not that strict about the rules of behaviour. But when you enter Fijian village, remember that you should stick to the protocole. First of all, don't enter the village without the invitation. Ask someone living there if you can take a walk around or stay. The chief may come to welcome you and you're expected to have a gift. If you stay overnight you should also have a gift for your hosts. Kava powder is always a good idea in such cases. You should dress modestly, avoiding shorts or bare shoulders. Ladies should wear a sulu (traditional "skirt"). Actually, Fijian men also tend to wear it. When you walk through the village, avoid wearing a hat or sunglasses, as it shows disrespect. Always take your shoes off when you enter someone's house. If you break one of those rules, you'll obviously not be kicked out. Fijians are very polite and carry a lot of understanding. However, by following the etiquette you'll show respect to their culture and you can expect warmer welcome. If you're not sure how to behave, ask questions. Everyone will be very glad to help. |
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| Definitely try the kava - the... | | |
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 |  on August 24, 2002 |
Definitely try the kava - the locals will teach you the customs. 'Bula' is hello, and the more you use it the friendlier people are. |
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| Kava Ceremony | | |
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 |  on October 6, 2005 |
Every night at the resort the staff would ask all the guests to sit with them in a circle on the floor for a kava ceremony. They drink a milky, muddy drink from a coconut shell cup and clap their hands afterwards. If you drink enough of it it gets you a bit drunk. |
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