Fiji is one of those luxurious and remote places most people will name as their top Honeymoon spot. Hot weather, beautiful beaches and far from the world; Fiji is an ideal choice to celebrate marital bliss.
But did you know Fiji is filled with lots of culture? It is a melting pot of cultures in addition to beautiful paradise.
- For instance, if you are in the villages of Fiji, make sure you are not wearing a hat or sunglasses. This is disrespectful.
- Don't touch anyone's head. We're not sure why, but this is offensive as well.
- When you are in the village, you are to drink Kava. Drink it in one gulp, return the bowl and clap your hands 3 times. (Then do the hokey pokey... Just kidding)
- It is impolite to sit with your legs stretched in front of you.
Fiji has lots of strange customs, but what makes Fiji interesting is the influence of other cultures to make its own culture. They celebrate Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, but also celebrate the Christian holiday of Christmas.
Do you find these customs strange? What other places have interesting culture?
Comments (7)
It's not touching the head that's offensive.
Well, just reaching in and touching someone's face unwanted is just a violation of someone's personal bubble, obviously, but --
The reason you don't touch the head is because you don't touch the HAIR. Touching the hair is Kapu, forbidden. In the old days, it was punishable by death. This is because the Hair is where a person's Mana is. Touching someone's hair is the equivalent of walking up to a man and grabbing his crotch, if the crotch were magical and possessed spiritual powers.
Just not something you want to do.
They celebrate Diwali because Indian slaves were shipped there to work in plantations for the British, which is why they also celebrate Christmas. Fijian Indians have their religion just like Fijians of Pacific descent do.
It's not "strange", you just don't understand it.
@chow@ireallylikefood - what exactly is a person's "Mana"?
FIJI <333333 Future honeymoon spot :)
Well I'm sure the white folks tried to turn Fiji people into Christians long ago so.. no surprise there.
@nooitzben@xanga - Mana is everything that makes you who you are, and more. It includes things like pride, strength, character and personal spirituality.
Your hair covers your head, which is a sacred body part in many pacific cultures.
there are lots of customs like this in other cultures as well.
i'd hate it if anyone touched my head too.
no hats/sunglasses allowed in church.
sitting with legs stretch out is considered unladylike.
the clapping three times threw me off though - but otherwise, the rest are understandable.
fiji is now on my list of places to go to :]