Culture
8
Culture of Fiji
In Fiji, you will find a variety of religions ranging from Christianity to Islam to Hinduism to Sikhism. You are always welcome to go to Sunday Worships and visit the religions’ temples. However, in each community there would always be tradtions and customs that is to be kept, for everyday practice or special ocassions.
Fiji was once known as the ‘Cannibal Isles’ because tribes used to eat their enemies’ flesh with forks. Bodies would be brought back to the village, cooked above a fire, and served to the community. This custom was a way of celebrating victory over the rival tribe and to humiliate them. It was practiced frequently until the late 19th century after British colonial rules were imposed. Nowadays there is no or very little cannibalism in Fiji, but it is still a memorable tradition that played a huge part in their history.
Another famous ritual is called the fire-walk. Fire walking is native to the Sawau tribe of Fiji, where coal would be lighted on fire and people had to run across barefoot. The tradition is said to have originated from of a legend that a deity granted the ability to protect themselves from high heat. Firewalkers do not get burned easily because the coal is a poor conductor so running without hesitation will prevent the heat from getting transferred. Those who ended up getting burned would be considered unready to face life.
Last but not least, the Yaqona Ceremony. Kava roots are crushed and mixed with water to create a drink that is mildly sedative. Then the community sits in a circle (or rather, two circles) with males inside and females outside. A coconut shell filled with the kava liquid is passed around for everyone to take a sip from. This ceremony was often done to welcome a visitor into the village.