Fiji: Entering the village

Bula Vinaka, and welcome to Fiji. If you love music with a strong beat, you will love the presentation here at Fiji! As you wander through our village, you will see the representation of a meeting house, a large and impressive chief’s house, a family home, an old folks home and our beautiful six story Fijian temple!

Fiji villages are laid out in family plots surrounding the center of the village. Each family, or clan, has specific functions within the community. Does your family fish or fight? Sail or farm? Those who fish belong to the fisherman clan. If you are skilled in another field, you would belong to the clan with those specific duties.

Families stand on protocol and tradition. Care must be taken not to cross carefully defined limits of who you may talk to, look at, and eat with. In some villages, a son-in-law would never approach or speak to his wife’s father but would rely on other family members to communicate for him. Should a woman meet her husband’s uncle while entering the meeting house, she would politely back out and re-enter thru a side door. These examples are not limited to male and female roles, but extend across sections of families and society.

Island Villagers are happy to guide you through their beautiful island village. Feel free to ask questions and learn more of the traditions of their country.