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The island state of Fiji is inhabited by indigenous Fijians and other minorities
like the Indo-Fijians and other smaller groups. The influence of so many diverse
groups of people has contributed in making Fiji society a truly multi ethnic one.
The inputs that all these diverse group of people brought along are the main basis
of the culture of Fiji. The religion in Fiji is also diverse and every religious
group gets equal opportunity to profess theirs. Armed with Fiji travel guide,
you can roam around this island nation hassle free.
Language is the main determinant of any country's culture. Fijian, according
to the Constitution of 1997, is the official language of this tiny island nation.
According to an estimate, almost 350,000 people all over Fiji speak this language.
This language is officially recognized as the first language of the Vanua Levu
Island. Two other languages namely English and Hindusthani too are other official
languages in Fiji. These languages have contributed significantly in making
up the culture of Fiji.
Music is an integral part of the culture of Fiji. The instruments used in Fijian
music are guitar, ukulele and mandolin. The indigenous musical instruments like
Lali drums are used mainly to call people to assemble at a certain venue. In
the ancient days when no other kind of communication mediums was available,
the drum beats used to announce births, deaths and wars. The Fijian islanders
have now embraced modern western dance forms. However in the interior of some
sparsely populated islands, Meke dance is practiced. Considered to be an ancient
dance form, it is said that the dancers become possessed by spirits as the Lali
drums start beating aloud. Indian music, mostly classical forms such as Bhajans
and Qawwali, can be easily listened on main islands. Music and dance in Fiji
attracts tourists from all over the world.
The Fijians consider their national costume a representative of the culture
of Fiji. The national costume of Fiji in the earlier times used to be loin cloths
for men and grass skirts for women. The skirt lengths would determine the status
of a woman. A single woman used to wear short skirts but long skirts had to
be worn by the married women. The national dress of the Fijians now is Sulu.
Resembling a skirt, both genders wear it. Women during special occasions wear
multi layered Tapa cloth. Arts and Crafts in Fiji are another attraction for
the tourists which also portray the rich culture of the Fijians. Except the
capital Suva, other cities do not have modern high rise buildings. Suva Central
in Suva is one example of the architecture of Fiji.
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