The idyllic Fiji islands have long been a beacon to lovers of exotic locations — including Captain Bligh’s infamous crew who mutinied their ship, The Bounty, in 1789 in their quest to stay in the South Pacific islands.
Today the Fiji islands are a unique blend of old and new. The country’s splendid isolation in the South Pacific has allowed it to escape many of the modern-day ecological problems that plague more industrialized countries.
The friendliness and hospitality of the Fiji people is legendary and, according to the Fiji Visitors Bureau, it is noted as the single most memorable experience of a visitor’s stay.
Mixed blessing
But Fiji’s uniqueness comes in forms of mixed blessing as evidence by the behind-the-scenes poverty and low standard of living of its people. Complicating this issue is the added ingredient of recent government unrest that has magnified the differences between Fiji’s ethnic groups.
In addition to government woes, there are blatant inequities between native Fijians and the Fiji Indians regarding social rank, religion and economic status. The multitude of Fiji’s behind-the-scene problems creates an albatross of hindrance on its road of progress.
Although Fiji is one of the ‘shining stars’ in the South Pacific’s constellation of tropical islands, its radiance doesn’t glimmer as strong as it might because of deep-rooted issues that long for resolution.
And yet Fiji is known as a paradise for romance, evidenced by starlit nights, white sandy beaches and warm tropical breezes.
The islands have become a haven for nature lovers because of the unspoiled, unique environment of extreme beauty and tranquility. The islands are encased in beautiful, pristine beaches, breathtaking coral reef gardens, lush rain forests and natural waterfalls that harbor azure lagoons.
One of the big attractions to the Fiji islands is the multitude of quality diving and snorkeling sites situated among beautiful coral reefs that attract tourists from around the world.
Fiji’s unique rain forests are void of dangerous animals and insects such as poisonous snakes and spiders. The islands’ unpolluted streams and brooks are crystal clear and are not invested with leeches or crocodiles.
There is an abundance of multihued birds within the tropical foliage, including Fiji’s wild parrots.
Although much of the forest is thick and impenetrable, native Fijians have created pathways that allow for accessible jungle travel. Because of the mountainous nature of the islands, Fiji has numerous streams and waterfalls, often with a cool pond in a rocky basin beneath the falls. One of the most famous is the sacred Bouma Falls on the island of Tavenui. The breathtaking falls harbor a natural waterslide that is often featured in movies.
Fiji is still somewhat untouched by the outside world and, in places, life ahs changed very little throughout the centuries and evidenced by virgin grasslands and tropical rain forests unscathed by logging or mining industries.
The capital city of Suva is a mixture of colonial era architecture — from street facades that haven’t changed in more than 100 years — to a skyline encased in modern day skyscrapers.
The city of Nadi, in addition to lodging the country’s international airport, which is the hub of the South Pacific, is also home to the largest Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere. The temple is divided into three parts which house intricately carved statues that were handcrafted in India.
The height, weight and width of each room’s design has a specific religious meaning and the main sanctum of the temple has been built to conform to the size of the statues housed within so that the correct vibrations are present for devotees during prayer. This Hindu shrine is in the traditional Dravidian architecture that is seldom seen outside of India.
Fiji is a patchwork of varied traditions. Fijians and Fiji Indians are tradition-oriented people who have retained a number of their ancestral customs despite the flood of conflicting influences that have swept the Pacific islands throughout the past century. The obligations and responsibilities of Fiji village life include not only the erection and upkeep of certain buildings, but the personal participation in the many ceremonies that give their lives meaning.
A huge attraction for many visitors to Fiji is the centuries-old tradition of fire-walking which is practiced by both Fijians and Fiji Indians. Only men are allowed to partake in the legend-oriented ritual that involves much ceremony and chanting. Hundreds of large stones placed in a circular pit are heated by a wood fire until they are white-hot. The wood is removed with only the stones remaining. The men psych themselves in a nearby hut until the stones are ready. Prior to the men crossing the stones they walk around the pit chanting and singing while bundles of leaves and grass are thrown on the stones. Witnesses testify that the participants appear to be immune from the pain with no trace of injury.
The Yaqona ceremony centers around the drinking of Yaqona or kava, a tranquilizing, nonalcoholic drink that numbs the tongue and lips and is derived from the dried root of a pepper plant. This ceremonial preparation is the most honored feature of the formal life of Fijians. This ceremony occurs as part of the sacramental rituals that mark births, marriages, deaths, official visits and the installation of a new chief.
Another Fijian custom, uniquely its own, is the ceremony surrounding the tabua. The tabua is a tooth of the sperm whale which was once presented when chiefs exchanged delegates at confederacy meetings and before conferences on peace and war.
Today the tabua is presented during chiefly yaqona ceremonies as a symbolic welcome for a respected visitor or guest or as a prelude to public business or official functions. On the village level, tabuas are still commonly presented to arrange marriages, express sympathy at funerals, request favors, settle disputes or show respect.
Old tabuas are highly polished from continuous handling. The larger the tooth, the greater its ceremonial value. Tabuas are prized cultural property and cannot be exported from Fiji.
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