| Fiji is an interesting blend of Melanesian, Polynesian, Micronesian, Indian, Chinese and European influences. For nearly 50 years, until the military coup of 1987 and the Indian emigration that followed it, the indigenous people of Fiji represented an ethnic minority in their own land. Today, Indigenous Fijians make up 50 percent of the country's population, while Indo-Fijians make up 45 percent. Indigenous Fijian Culture The indigenous culture is very much an active and living culture and is a part of everyday life for the majority of the population. Fijian indigenous society is very communal, with great importance attached to the family unit, the village, and the land. A hierarchy of chiefs presides over villages, clans, and tribes. Chiefly positions are hereditary; a deceased chief is invariably followed by a kinsman, though not necessarily his own son. This reflects Polynesian influence: in most other Melanesian societies, chiefs are appointed on merit. Indo-Fijian Culture
Most Indo-Fijians are descendents of indentured laborers who began arriving in Fiji from India in the late 1800s to work in for the British in cane fields and sugar mills. With some five generations having been raised in Fiji, the Indo-Fijian community has forged a strong identity in its adopted homeland. Their Inian heritage remains prominent in many aspects of their culture, including ritual practices, food, dress, and entertainment. There is also much emphasis placed on education and hard work, yet they still emulate the laid back lifestyle of island culture. Identity There is a sense of national pride being identified with being from Fiji regardless of the which ethnic community one originates from. This comes out in sports or when traveling abroad. There is also a sense of pride with regional identity showing which part of Fiji one comes from. Arts and Music Fiji's arts and crafts reflect local adaptations of their Polynesian and Melanesian heritage. An indigenous art form is the Meke, which may incorporate the seasea (women's fan dance) or a meke wesi (men's spear dance). It is usually a narrative of an important event such as a war, a chiefly installation, or even a scandal. Some mekes are generations old, and form an important part of Fiji's oral history.
Each district of Fiji has its own form of meke, performed in the local dialect. Other forms of Polynesian and Melanesian dance art forms exist with most widely known being dances of Rotuma and Tonga. There are also various Indian dances and Chinese dances which are performed at relevant festivals marking important times for these communities which are now a part of Culture in Fiji. Music of Old Fiji consisted of various chants which often told a story or preserved information to be passed on from generation to generation. With the introduction of European and Asian cultures Music in Fiji has evolved and songs sung in the Fijian vernacular are popular but so also are songs in Indian and English. Some local artist mix all three languages and traditional instruments from each culture making for a very unique musical experience.
Clothing The style in Fiji is always casual. Modern Fiji's national dress is the sulu, which resembles a skirt. It is commonly worn by both men and women. While traditional and semi-traditional forms of dress are still very much in use amongst indigenous Fijian culture, there is a greater influence from European and Asian Fashion in urban areas as in neighboring developed nations. Cuisine Fijian cuisine reflects the South Pacific, Indian, and tropical influences in the country. Seafood is plentiful and is complemented by the tropical fruits of the islands. Mango, papaya, pineapple, banana, guava, passion fruit, native oranges, watermelon, and avocado are abundant. Dalo and cassava, which are root plants, comprise the Fijian staple diet, and miti, or coconut milk mixed with spring onions and chili, flavors most Fijian dishes. Indian curry dishes are also popular among all groups. Tea is the drink of choice, rather than coffee.
Religion
Religion of Fiji is quite diverse with Christianity being the dominant faith of the majority. Christianity itself in Fiji has many denominations with the majority being the methodist denomination. Of the Asian Religions the Hindu faith is dominant, after which Muslim faith and various other belief systems are followed.
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