The Fijians are accommodating, however in the event that you are welcomed into a town, wear a humble attire and remove your cap (wearing one is an affront to the boss) when in the town. Also, leave your shoes outside the entryway when entering a home and remember that it’s additionally offending to touch somebody’s head – which can be enticing when you are encompassed by wide-peered toward, grinning youngsters.
On the off chance that you are welcome to drink kava, simply appreciate the custom and the numb tongue.
When going by a town, it is standard to display an endowment of kava, which is otherwise called “yaqona”. The blessing (a “sevusevu”), will cost under F$20 for a half kilo. In the event that you are joined by a guide, he/she will take care of that. The sevusevu is exhibited to the conventional leader of the town (“Turaga Ni koro”). After it’s been beat into powder and blended with water, it is generally served in the head individual’s home.
Be prepared to shake hands and answer questions like,
- Where are you from?
- Are you married?
- What number of kids do you have? … et cetera.
Fijians are the friendliest individuals on the planet. Your regard for their traditions and conventions won’t just make you an appreciated visitor in their towns and homes, but add another measurement to your Fijian visit.
Social Ceremonies
The LOVO
This is a superb devour, cooked in the earth. It resembles a grill smoked, and an exceptionally proficient approach to cook substantial amounts of nourishment in the meantime.
To prepare LOVO, the following are required;
- kindling
- some smooth-surfaced stones
- a move of thwart
- banana clears out
- clean sacks (discretionary)
- a scoop (not discretionary)
Use an opened 60cm (2ft) profound and 72cm wide pan. On the chance that the pan is dirty, spread a layer of fiery debris in the base of the pan before putting in the stones and wood.
Light the fire and prop it up to the point when the stones are intensely hot, at that point move the fresh wood and coal and spread the stones out to make a stage for the sustenance.
The sustenance will comprise of cassava (custard), kumala (sweet potato), yam and taro – which should all be peeled.
Wrap a shoulder of pork leg or ham in thwart (chicken, fish or sheep can be added) and place in the broiler. Put the huge stuff at the base and the things that need less cooking at the top.
Cover the devour with banana leaves or coconut stalks and sodden sacks to protect the devour. Cover the parts with soil and present yourself with a drink.
The preparation will take around two hours to cook.
The MEKE
Music is woven into the texture of Fiji and the Meke grasps conventional tune and move to recount legends, romantic tales, history and spirits of the islands. It can differ from a blood-coagulating lance move to a delicate and smooth fan move.
There are two dance gatherings in fiji – the ensemble (Vakatara), who sit on the ground and sing or serenade for the second gathering, the artists (Matana).
The instruments are percussion (hardwood gongs, bamboo tubes, beating sticks and so on). For the Meke the entertainers wear wreaths of blooms (Salusalu), the men wear full warrior outfit and the ladies in customary dresses sparkle with scented coconut oil.
YAQONA (KAVA)
Yaqona (articulated yangona) is Fiji’s national drink. It’s produced using the pummeled base from the pepper family. It’s said to have restorative characteristics (aside from influencing you to feel smooth).
Legend says yaqona is originated from Tonga where the plant sprang from the grave of a Tongan princess who died of a broken heart. In a formal yaqona function, expert is given by the town representative to start blending the kava.
Whenever blended, a server will convey a container (‘bilo’) to the main visitor, who must applaud (‘cobo’) once when totally drinking from the glass. The request of serving relies upon the status of those present, from the most noteworthy positioning boss down.
Drinking yaqona has turned out to be an awesome social activity – it’s difficult to be irate with somebody subsequent to sharing kava – and it more often than not prompts loose visit much the same as that in an easygoing bar.