The Beauty and Culture of the Fijian Islands
Fiji Village Bure
Fiji is an interesting mix of cultures
Sri Siva Subramaniya is a Hindu Temple.
Fijians have managed to maintain their traditions and culture even today. Dancing is still strong in Fiji. The meke performance rests on strong singing traditions passed down from one generation to the next generation. The dancers are said to take on spirits from the netherworld. In Fiji, Mekes are preformed for special events like births, deaths, war, marriages and property exchanges. Traditional Indian dances are still taught today in Indian communities.<
Lali drums are the main indigenous instrument of the Fijian people. They were formerly a means of communication, announcing events of social significance, such as wars, victories, births and deaths, each of which was announced by their own distinctive rhythmic patterns. Today, the large lali are used to call people to church or for calling them together. The lali are made of hardwood, shaped and hollowed out to produce a deep resonance sound, which can be heard from a distance of eight kilometers. A smaller type of lali, the lali ni meke is used to accompany chanting and dances
Fiji National Drink
Yaqona better known as Kava - is FijiÕs national drink. Made from the pulverized root of the Piper Methysticum tree that is found throughout the Fijian islands. Originally, young girls from the villages would chew the pieces of root into a soft pulpy mass, and then spitting them into the tanoa, or bowl to prepare Kava. It was then diluted with water. Today however, the root is pounded or grated before being mixed with water and served in a coconut shell or bilo. Kava is not an intoxicating drink. It is said however, it does have a numbing effect on the mouth and limbs and after consuming some quantity, can cause drowsiness.
The Kava is prepared in the tanoa a shallow wooden bowl with evenly spaced legs - the gritty pieces of root are strained out by passing a bundle of vegetable fibers through the brew and when the Ômuddy-looking waterÕ the liquid is ready. Traditionally this bowl was carved from solid blocks of vesi hardwood. A long rope of plaited sennit, decorated with white cowries shells was attached to the bowl. The bowl after repeated use, will acquire a bluish-gray patina finish.
Today, the Yaqona ceremony is still an important part of Fijian life. From social occasions to official ceremonies, the formal drinking of Yaqona is always included.
The Republic of Fiji
The current flag of Fiji was officially adopted on October 10, 1970. The Union Jack in the upper left corner is representative of the country's long association with Great Britain. The flag's blue field is symbolic of the surrounding Pacific Ocean. The coat of arms or shield displays a golden British lion holding a coconut. Below the lion is the red cross of Saint George. Within the four panels on either side of the cross is a palm tree, sugar cane, bananas and the white dove of peace. These item represent Fiji.
Birds are Fiji's most conspicuous wildlife and are a key component of the nation's natural heritage. The Fijian Collared Lory, (Phigys solitarius). The locals know it as the Kula Bird. The Collared Lory is an incredible little lory found on the larger Fijian islands. The sexes are alike, with the forehead, lories & crown, as well as the abdomen being a deep purple. It gets its common name "collared" from the elongated bright green feathers on the hind neck and mantle. These feathers can be erected from each side, forming two fans on the side of the head. The red feathers in the mantle are elongated as well. The wings are dark green and the rump is light green. The remainder of the plumage is red. The bill is orange and the legs and feet are pinkish in color. Its overall length is about 71/2 inches. The Kula is common throughout Fiji and can be seen in the lowland coastal forests and plantations where it feeds on flowering trees including the coconut and African tulip.
Fiji has about 170 species of orchids. Of these some 50 are endemic. Only a few of the native orchids have large and attractive flowers. Most have small to miniature flowers and some last as long as one day or occasionally only for a few hours.
The Spathoglottis Pacifica is a common orchid that is most often seen growing along roadsides in the wetter areas of Fiji from sea level to 1000 meters. It is also found in open forests in wet areas as well as on the islands of Lau, Kadavu and the Yasawas. It is native to the area from Vanuatu to Fiji, Wallis Islands and Samoa. There are usually four or five long, pleated leaves on short pseudo bulbs. The inflorescence starts from the base of the plants and can be up to 1.5 meters tall with ten or more flowers 1.5cm long and 0.75cm wide. The flower's colors range from deep pink to mauve to almost white with a yellow mark on the labellumÕs. The flowers bloom can last several weeks.