Etiquette and Customs of Fiji

When people hear the name of Fiji, images are conjured in their minds of an exotic and colorful tropical island. The images one conjures up are quite justifiable, as what you are thinking of is what you will get. Fiji is very close to Australia, taking only 4-5 hours from the east coast. When you land, you are met by happy faces, men and women in their traditional clothing, flowers gently tucked between the ear and hair. The smell of seawater fills the air, while the sun warms your skin.

Fiji, which resides in the Melanesian region, is an archipelago of more than 300 islands. The official languages spoken are Fijian, English, and Fiji Hindi. It has had quite a history. Europeans made contact with Fiji in 1643; later on, it was discovered that Fiji had ideal conditions for growing cotton, which was useful as the American Civil War had cut off the supply to the international market. From 1878, indentured laborers were brought from islands around Fiji and India to cultivate the sugarcane crops.

Greeting Etiquette in Fiji
When you walk from the plane into the airport, one word you will see written is ‘Bula’, which means hello or welcome. In urban areas, you will perform the western type greeting with a handshake or a quick wave with an introduction. Those who are native Fijian men will also gently shake and take their time when doing it. Those who are of Indian origin will use the traditional ‘Namaste’ with pressed prayer hands.

Native Fijian women will greet each other differently, they could use the air kiss, while pressing cheek to cheek. However, it becomes different if there is deep respect between the two women, where one will put their nose next to the other person’s cheek and nose, then breathe in. An Indian woman may use the pressed prayer hands or lean into a hug or both.

If a younger generation wants to display respect to the older generation, then a nod with a greeting or introduction will be used. In rural areas, communities are close and when walking by, an acknowledgement must be used. When greeting Westerners, the Fijians can be quite shy, men may extend their hand to shake, women, instead of body contact, they will use their native greetings.

Fijian View of Time
When on the mainland, I couldn’t believe how proud the Fijians were when it came to interpreting time…There was a saying, ‘Fiji Time!’. It wasn’t until I travelled around the islands that I completely understood ‘Fiji Time’. They are not only shy people at times also very relaxed. Their sense of time is fluid, they believe things happen when they happen. Conversely, those that are Indo-Fijian are more on par with Western timing and the emphasis is on punctuality.

​Dining Traditional Style in Fiji
From 1830 onwards, missionaries came in from proselytising in Tonga and Tahiti, to Fiji and converted natives. Due to this, many, before meals are eaten, will pray or bless the meal. You will be sitting on mats and cross-legged while eating your meal. Eating is done together and no one will be left alone eating by themselves. Today, families will have spoons, forks and knives, however, it is very common to eat with your fingers. Talking, laughing while eating is encouraged, being loud and rowdy is frowned upon. If you are in rural areas is best to be dressed appropriately, where shoulders and knees are covered for women. Please note that there is a distinction between resorts and travelling openly. Whilst traveling from Suva to Nadi, I had the wonderful privilege eating sparkling fresh local produce and mouthwatering curries.

Fiji – A Destination Holiday
I am fairly certain that Fiji is on many people's list of places to travel to, and it was on mine. It is everything that glossy magazines display and more. It not only offers crystal blue lagoons and snorkeling, viewing the most brightly colored coral reefs and tropical fish, but it is also a place to soak in native traditions, enjoy kind and relaxed hospitality, and an opportunity to learn about exotic foods and meet those whose generations call Fiji their home.

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