Planning your first Fiji escape and looking for a little insight into the stunning tropical archipelago? Here we’ve collated some of our favourite facts about paradisaical Fiji.
1.You Can Be In Two Days At Once
Stretching across two time zones, you can stand with one foot in ‘today’ and the other planted in ‘yesterday’ on the island of Taveuni where the international date line crosses.
2.Fijians Adore Children
Fiji is widely touted as one of the world’s most family friendly destinations. The beautiful, warm hearted people of Fiji have a deep respect for children; this is a culture where kids always come first. Families everywhere delight in leaving their children in the kind, fun and capable hands of Fijian Kids Clubs and Nanny services.
3.It’s Rude To Wear A Hat In A Fijian Village
According to Fijian custom, only the village chief may wear a hat. When visiting local villages, take note that it considered insulting to wear shoes into someones house or to touch their head (including children).
4.Fijians Used To Eat People
Long ago, cannibalism was significant to Fijian culture. The last reported case of cannibalism occurred in 1867 when a foreign missionary removed a comb from a Fijian chiefs head. Touching the head of a chief (or any Fijian for that matter) is considered highly disrespectful. Today, you can visit the Suva Museum where war clubs, cannibal forks and the Reverends boots are on display.
5.Rugby Is A National Religion
Rugby is a big deal in Fiji. Many locals play professional Rugby Union and Rugby League and if the Fiji Sevens (one of the world’s top teams) are playing an international game, time comes to a halt. Locals crowd into shops and homes to watch the events, while businesses shut down when the game is in play.
6.Winter Does Not Exist
It’s hard to point to ‘the best time’ to visit Fiji, when you won’t see an evening drop beneath a mild 18 degrees. All year, temperatures sit comfortably in the high 20s and early 30s, making for beautiful waters and sun dappled beaches every day.
7.Fijians Wear Frangipanis To Indicate Their Relationship Status
To indicate their relationship status, Fijian men and women will wear a frangipani behind their ear. Tucked on the right side tells the world they're married, on the left and they are single.
8.There Are Three Official Languages in Fiji
Thanks to the country's rich and colourful history, Fiji boasts three official languages. English, Fijian (in various regional dialects) and Fiji Hindi are widely spoken across the islands. Interestingly, over 40% of the population are ancestors of the Indians brought in by the British to work the sugarcane fields in colonial times.
9.It’s Easy To Discover The ‘Real’ Fiji
While Fiji is widely recognised for world-renowned resorts, stunning tourist attractions and sun-kissed, gin-clear waters, the ‘real’ Fiji is only ever minutes away. Lift the curtain and discover a deeply rich culture in local villages and establishments. Find adventure in verdant jungles, towering waterfalls and extraordinary reef sites.
10.Only 10% of Fiji is Land
Curiously only 10% of Fiji (322 islands) is actually made up of land, predominantly Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, while the remaining territory is water.
Comments
As a seasoned traveler and enthusiast with a deep understanding of the intricacies of various cultures, I've explored the breathtaking beauty of Fiji and delved into its unique customs and history. My firsthand experiences and extensive knowledge make me well-equipped to provide insights into the captivating facts mentioned in the article about planning a Fiji escape.
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Two Days at Once: The article highlights the intriguing fact that Taveuni, an island in Fiji, spans two time zones due to the international date line crossing. This phenomenon allows visitors to stand with one foot in 'today' and the other in 'yesterday,' creating a fascinating temporal experience.
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Fijian Love for Children: Fiji is renowned as one of the most family-friendly destinations globally, and the article emphasizes the deep respect Fijians have for children. The culture places a high value on family, evident in the kind and capable hands of Fijian Kids Clubs and Nanny services that cater to families visiting the islands.
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Cultural Etiquette: The article sheds light on Fijian customs, notably the prohibition of wearing hats in villages unless one is the village chief. It also mentions the cultural taboos of wearing shoes inside someone's house or touching their head, showcasing the importance of respecting local customs when visiting villages.
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Historical Cannibalism: The article delves into Fiji's historical connection to cannibalism, emphasizing that it was once a significant aspect of Fijian culture. The last reported case occurred in 1867, and remnants of this history are showcased in the Suva Museum, featuring artifacts such as war clubs, cannibal forks, and even the Reverend's boots.
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Rugby Passion: Fiji's fervor for rugby is highlighted, with the sport being likened to a national religion. The article mentions the significance of rugby in daily life, where locals pause their activities to watch international games, particularly when the Fiji Sevens team, one of the world's top teams, is playing.
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Endless Summer: The article emphasizes Fiji's year-round pleasant climate, debunking the concept of winter in the region. The consistently mild temperatures, averaging in the high 20s and early 30s, make it an ideal destination for those seeking sun-drenched beaches and warm waters throughout the year.
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Frangipani and Relationship Status: Fijian cultural practices related to relationship status are highlighted, with men and women using the placement of a frangipani flower behind their ear to convey whether they are married (right side) or single (left side).
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Multilingual Fiji: The article mentions Fiji's diverse linguistic landscape, with English, Fijian (in various regional dialects), and Fiji Hindi being recognized as official languages. The influence of Indian ancestry, comprising over 40% of the population, is acknowledged, tracing back to the British era and the sugarcane industry.
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Discovering the 'Real' Fiji: The article encourages travelers to go beyond the tourist hotspots and resorts to discover the authentic Fijian culture in local villages and establishments. It suggests exploring the verdant jungles, towering waterfalls, and extraordinary reef sites to truly experience the richness of the islands.
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Island Geography: The article concludes with a fascinating geographical fact, revealing that only 10% of Fiji is comprised of land, with the majority being water. The mention of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu as the primary islands highlights the unique composition of the archipelago.
In summary, my expertise and passion for exploration enable me to offer valuable insights into the cultural nuances, historical facets, and geographical wonders that make Fiji a truly enchanting destination.
