THE FIJIANS WAY OF LIFE

1. THE FIJIANS WAY OF LIFE By Courteney Cullum

2. Ever wondered what it would be like if you went over seas and lived in another community completely different to yours?

3. A community relaxed, simple minded, with everyone getting along with no worries in hand?

4. Well it would be great to start out with the basic knowledge of the local people, what they do, how they portray themselves, also their cultures.

5. Here’s a guide to help you grasp a greater knowledge on some Fijian natives, and how they live their day to day lives.

6. Village life… Village life is communal and based on living and working together for the common good of all members. It’s a gentler, laid back way of life – one that’s lived closely with nature – and most villagers make their living off the land and sea.

7. The true Fijian culture… Fiji is well-known throughout the world due to its natural beauty and as home to numerous resorts, but few people realize Fiji is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the South Pacific as nearly half the country's population is of Indian descent and nearly the other half is ethnic Fijian. The way of life and culture in the country is also heavily divided between these two groups, although both get along well as Fiji would not be what it is today without both these groups.

8. For both the ethnic Indians and Fijians, family is important and most free time is spent with these people. It is not uncommon for the Fijians to wander around their village looking for someone to socialize with and it's impossible to not find someone who will welcome them in any evening or weekend. The Indians also tend to gather together most evenings and weekends to eat and socialize. Religion is also important to most people in Fiji and religious gatherings are common.

9. Behaviour… The people of Fiji are very humble and modest as they rarely express themselves in a way to offend another. This comes in respecting other people, dressing modestly, avoiding outward signs of wealth or affection, and having a reverence for a higher being as most people are Christian or Hindu.

10. Visitors… As a visitor to Fiji, that same modesty is expected; modesty in dress, actions, words, and every aspect of your life. Many of the most important behavioural restrictions to be aware of are related to dress, dating and. Also try to avoid being loud, rude, showing off wealth, or getting drunk in public.

11. Clothing… The clothing the Fijian people wear is lighter and more casual rather than formal and elaborate, also because of the islands’ warm and tropical climate.

12. The sulu, which is similar to the sarong or pareau, is the traditional clothing in Fiji. It grew especially popular among the Fijian people after the military coup of 1987. This native kilt is worn by both women and men, and the dress can be worn in many different styles, especially among women, so the sulu is also considered the trendsetter of Fijian clothing.

13. Fijian men wear these skirts to events, especially at ceremonial occasions and at work or school. Women generally wear skirts, while elderly women prefer skirts that fall down to their feet. However, younger women dress more in short-length skirts and dresses.