Fiji Men And Women Are Gifted With A Rich Heritage

Fijian culture is truly rich in heritage. Fiji men and women continue to sustain such richness because it is through this that they can call it their own. It is a pride for this group of people to share their culture and lives to others --- and this can surely be seen on how hospitable and warm the Fiji men and women are to tourists and island guests.

Because of the Polynesian and Melanesian influences, one can see how the hierarchy of the village or place is developed. They have their own customs and traditions that they are proud of, because it is what makes them a unique tribe. Fiji men and women love their music and dancing, their songs and sounds, their beats and rhythms, and their steps and moves. Like other Pacific Islanders, they have their own indigenous art forms in the world of sound, music, and dancing. They have the "Meke", a narrative of a significant event, which includes the "seasea", a Fijian women's fan dance and a make wesi, a Fiji men's spear dance. These traditional dances have been passed from generations to generations and are already part of the history of the native Fiji men and women.

Besides having their traditional customs and activities, they also have their traditional costumes and attires. For Fiji men, they have the loincloths, and for Fiji women, they have the grass skirts; but their national dress, the "sulu", which looks like a skirt is actually worn by both Fiji men and women.

Fiji has its own national drink, arts, and crafts. Their national drink, which is the "kava" (or "Yagona"), is used and drank during special ceremonies. This drink calls for a special ritual, thus "yagoona" drinking must follow these steps: clap once, clasp the hands, take the cup, drink it in a single mouthful, return the cup to the bearer, clap three times, and say the word "maca". So, during these special occasions, this Fijian social beverage always is a special treat and moment for all. Their arts and crafts are those of Polynesian and Melanesian influences, and Fiji men have a different set of crafts from the Fiji women. Women's crafts include pottery, "tapa" and "masi", Fijian mats, and basket weaving.

It shows that Fiji men and women are truly gifted with a rich culture and heritage, that's why to this day, they still honor those traditions and customs, respect their historical and generational crafts and gifts, and continue practicing them to let it remain and prosper in the hearts of the new generations of Fijians.