Culture & Society

"Bula!" — this one word defines Fiji more than any coral reef or palm beach. It literally means "life", but is used as a universal greeting: Hello, Welcome, Good Day, How are you. And it's not just a phrase — Fijians mean it sincerely. The Bula smile is world-famous, and the warmth of the Fijians is not a show for tourists but deeply rooted in the culture.

The Fijian society is based on the Vanua — a concept that unites land, community, tradition, and spiritual connection in one word. The Vanua is sacred: It connects people with their land, ancestors, and clan. This deep-rootedness explains why Fijians are so hospitable — a guest is considered a gift, not an intruder.

Other important concepts:

• Kerekere — The system of mutual sharing. If a neighbor needs something, it is given — without expectation of direct compensation. Sometimes surprising for Western visitors when the taxi driver asks if he can have the sunglasses (politely declining is perfectly fine).
• Fiji Time — Not laziness, but a conscious decision against haste. Buses leave when they are full, not when the schedule says so. Meetings begin when everyone is there. Accept Fiji Time as a gift — your blood pressure will thank you.
• Lotu (Church) — Fiji is deeply Christian (since the missionaries of the 19th century). Sunday is sacred: Most shops are closed, and Fijians go to church. The church choirs are famous for their polyphonic singing — a Sunday service is an unforgettable experience, even for non-believers.

No experience in Fiji is as profound and unifying as the Kava Ceremony (Yaqona Ceremony). Kava is a drink made from the ground root of the pepper plant Piper methysticum — mildly numbing, relaxing, and the social lubricant of Fijian society.

What is Kava?

Kava looks like murky muddy water and tastes... well, not particularly good. Earthy, slightly bitter, with a subtle peppery note. After drinking, the tongue becomes slightly numb — this is normal and a sign of good quality. The effect: a gentle relaxation that feels like a warm smile. Not intoxicating like alcohol, more like a deep exhale. Kava is not addictive and is completely legal in Fiji.

Ceremony Procedure

1. Sevusevu — The guest gift. When visiting a village, you bring a bundle of Kava root (Waka) — available at any market for 20–40 FJD. The guide or elder formally presents it to the chief. No Sevusevu, no village visit.
2. Preparation — The Kava root is pounded in a mortar and dissolved in water, filtered through a cloth into the Tanoa (large wooden bowl). The ceremony master (Esa) prepares everything.
3. Drinking — The chief drinks first, then the guest of honor, then the rest. You are handed a Bilo (half coconut shell). Clap once, say "Bula!", drink it all in one go, clap three times, and say "Maca!" (pronounced "Ma-tha" — "it is empty"). Congratulations — you are officially welcome.
4. Socializing — After the formal round, Kava continues to be drunk, stories are told, laughter and singing ensue. The atmosphere becomes more relaxed with each round.

A village visit is one of the most touching experiences in Fiji. You will be received as an honored guest, participate in the Kava ceremony, see Meke (dances), and experience true Fijian hospitality. However: A Fijian village is not a zoo — there are clear rules of conduct:

Before the Visit

• Bring Sevusevu — Kava root as a guest gift is mandatory. No Sevusevu, no village visit. 500g to 1 kg of Waka (Kava root) from the market is sufficient.
• Appropriate Clothing — Shoulders and knees covered! For women: Sulu (wrap skirt) or long skirt, T-shirt. For men: Sulu or long shorts, T-shirt. Never bikini or swim trunks in the village.
• No Hat — Do not wear a hat in the village. The hat is considered an insult to the chief (only he may wear something on his head).
• Announce in Advance — Never visit a village unannounced. Organized tours are the easiest way. If you go on your own: Wait at the village entrance and ask the Turaga-ni-Koro (village head).

During the Visit

• Remove Shoes — When entering the Bure (meeting house).
• Speak Softly — No loud shouting or laughter.
• Do Not Touch the Head — Touching a Fijian's head is taboo — the head is considered sacred.
• Remove Sunglasses — Eye contact is important and a sign of respect.
• Photography — Ask first! Most Fijians are photogenic and willing to be photographed, but always ask beforehand.

Meke — Dance & Song

A Meke is a traditional performance that combines dance, song, and storytelling. Men perform powerful war dances (with clubs and spears), women dance graceful seated dances with fans. The songs tell tribal stories, legends, and historical events. If you are invited to dance along — do it! The Fijians will reward your attempts with roaring laughter and applause.

Fiji's history is a fascinating tale of seafarers, cannibalism, missionaries, and the path to independence.

Lapita & First Settlement (3,500 BC–)

The Lapita seafarers — the greatest explorer people in human history — settled Fiji about 3,500 years ago. They came in double-hulled canoes from Melanesia, bringing pottery, agriculture, and a seafaring culture. Over the centuries, the Lapita evolved into the Polynesian and Melanesian cultures of Oceania. Fiji lies on the border and combines elements of both.

Warlike Fiji (1000–1874)

Pre-colonial Fiji was a warlike society. The chiefdom systems (Matanitu) fought each other for land and power. Infamous: the cannibalism (Bakola). Defeated enemies were ritually eaten — not out of hunger, but as the ultimate humiliation and spiritual power takeover. The last documented case of cannibalism in Fiji was in 1867.

The large Drua canoes (double-hulled sailing boats, up to 30 meters long) were technical masterpieces and the foundation of Fijian naval power.

Europeans, Missionaries & Cession (1643–1874)

Abel Tasman sighted Fiji in 1643 as the first European. Captain James Cook passed by in 1774. From the 1830s, Christian missionaries came, ending cannibalism and fundamentally changing Fijian society. In 1874, Chief Cakobau ceded the islands to Great Britain — Fiji became a British crown colony.

Colonial Era & Indo-Fijians (1879–1970)

The British brought Indian indentured laborers (Girmitiyas) from 1879 for the sugarcane plantations. Over 60,000 Indians came by 1916. Their descendants — the Indo-Fijians — now make up about 37% of the population and have profoundly influenced the country's culture, cuisine, and religion.

Independence & Modern Challenges (1970–present)

Fiji became independent on October 10, 1970. Since then, the country has experienced four coups (1987, 1987, 2000, 2006) — mostly fueled by ethnic tensions between indigenous Fijians and Indo-Fijians. Since 2014, Fiji has been a parliamentary democracy and politically stable. The biggest challenge today: climate change. Fiji, as chair of the COP23 climate conference in 2017, is existentially threatened by rising sea levels — several villages have already been relocated inland.