Fiji is an island country in the Melanesia region, located in Australia and Oceania, in the South Pacific Ocean. To get acquainted with the culture and customs of its people, stay with Saed News.
Fiji is actually an island region located in the South Pacific Ocean, and its capital is the beautiful city of Suva. The population of this country is estimated to be around 860,000 people. This beautiful country neighbors Vanuatu to the west and New Caledonia to the southwest. Fiji is an archipelago consisting of 330 islands and about 500 smaller islets, of which around 110 islands are permanently inhabited. Most of Fiji’s islands were formed by volcanic activity that began about 150 million years ago.
Fiji’s culture is a rich blend of indigenous, Chinese, European, and Indian influences, encompassing social democracy, language, food (mainly seafood and vegetables), local clothing, belief systems, architecture, art, handicrafts, music, dance, and sports. The ethnic composition of the country is approximately 52% indigenous Fijians, 41% Indians, with religions being 70% Christian, 26% Hindu, and 4% Muslim. The official languages of Fiji are English, Fijian, and Hindi. Humans have lived in Fiji since the second millennium BCE, starting with Austronesian peoples, followed by Melanesians, with some Polynesian influences. Europeans first visited Fiji in the 17th century. In 1874, after a brief period as an independent kingdom, Britain established the colony of Fiji. In 1987, following a coup d'état, the military government declared Fiji a republic.
Fiji was once known as part of the “Cannibal Islands.” Cannibalism persisted here until the arrival of Christian missionaries in the mid-19th century. According to some beliefs, cannibalism began when the islanders, during long sea voyages, had no food to survive on and thus resorted to it. Later, this custom spread from the ships to the islands. According to sources, the last cannibalism victim in Fiji was a missionary named Thomas Baker. Baker and his colleagues had entered the village of Nabutautau to invite the villagers to Christianity. According to the natives, Baker lost his life after touching the head of the village chief—a highly offensive act considered a form of insult. One of Baker’s shoes is still kept in the Fiji Museum in Suva.
Superstitions have also taken on urban aspects in Fiji. People living in cities avoid talking to each other at certain times of the night, believing that speaking will awaken the dead and torment their spirits. People generally strive to have beliefs related to their social positions. The number 6 is considered very lucky in this country, similar to beliefs in China. In elevators and financial transactions, the number 6 is frequently used. People generally see this number as a great source of luck. This superstition has been studied multiple times in recent years, and researchers believe that six is a positive number capable of attracting positive energy. On certain days of the year, this number is even worshiped.
Walking on Fire: The tradition of walking barefoot on hot ashes and stones dates back 500 years to the Sawau tribe on one of Fiji’s main islands. The locals still perform fire-walking ceremonies, passed down through generations. Today, the ceremony is also performed in some areas and hotels to attract tourists.
Lovo Pit: Local foods greatly enhance the joy of traveling. Fijians use lovo pits—ovens dug under the ground—for cooking. Some foods are cooked under hot coals using banana or palm leaves.
Meke: Meke is a traditional cultural ceremony in Fiji involving traditional dance and storytelling through song. This ancient custom served to pass traditions and stories from generation to generation. Both men and women participate fully in this event, which is usually held during festivals.
Visiting Village Leaders: During ceremonies and celebrations, visitors must remove their hats in the presence of the village leader. Additionally, everyone must take off their shoes before entering homes in the village.
A Country with Two Daily Dates: Fiji lies on the International Date Line, an imaginary line in the Pacific Ocean that separates consecutive calendar days. On the island of Taveuni, there is a marker where travelers can place one hand or foot on one day and the other on the next day, effectively crossing into the previous or next day.
The Fiji Islands are among the most beautiful islands on Earth, offering many sights to see and a unique holiday experience for tourists. From delightful sunset moments to underwater diving to see marine life or cliff jumping into the sea, these are fascinating experiences you will have when traveling to Fiji. It is the best place to start a new life or to enjoy a memorable honeymoon trip.
