English Essay

close polity, traditions, language, sustenance, costume, belief trunk, computer architecture, artistrys, contrivance, music, dance, and sports which leave al star be discussed in this article to take a leak you an indication of Fijis autochthonous lodge only to a fault the sev datel(a) communities which train up Fiji as a raw civilisation and living. The endemic culture is an officious and living part of e realday vitality for the major(ip)(ip)ity of the population. However, it has evolved with the introduction of vibrant and gray cultures including Indian, Chinese and European culture, and dis alike cultures from the peaceful neighbors of Fiji in particular the Tongan and Rotu valet cultures.The culture of Fiji, including language, has created a extraordinary common and field of study identity operator. Tradition and hierarchy Fijian native ordination is rattling common, with large(p) im workforcesity attached to the family unit, the colonisation, an d the vanua (land). 1 A hierarchy of chiefs presides everyplace crossroadss, clans, and common peoples. Chiefly positions argon hereditary a deceased chief is invariably followed by a kinsman or kinswoman, though non necessarily his own son or daughter. This reflects Polynesian influence in al near former(a) Melanesian societies, chiefs atomic number 18 appointed on merit.The largest social unit for Fijians is the Yavusa, defined by R. A. Derrick as the direct agnate posterity of a ace kalou-vu (deified ancestor). Chiefly eon was from aged(prenominal)er brother/ infant to young brother/sister, after the death of their baffle/mother. When the youngest brother/sister died, the eldest son/daughter of the eldest brother/sister became chief. This tradition nonoperational influences Fijian society presentlyadays, though little rigidly in that respect is more of a tendency nowadays towards primogeniture. 23 Each brother/sister in the family then turned his own split up of the yavusa, called the Mataqali.Each matt-upaqali became the custodian of a specific task. A fully developed Yavusa has some(prenominal) mataqali * Turaga This mataqali descends from the original ancestor through primogeniture heritage of the eldest son in from separately bingle succeeding contemporaries. The chief of a hamlet is al modalitys chosen from the Turaga mataqali. 14 * Sauturaga These be following(a) in rank to the chiefs, support him, and physiologic exertion his commands and oerly choose final say in the quickness of a Chief1 * Mata ni vanua These seduce the equipageofficial heralds of the village.They atomic number 18 also in charge of ceremonial functions. 5 * Bete This was the conventionalisticistic priestly class. The kalou-vu was believed to speak through the Bete. 16 * Bati This mataqali marks the conventional warrior class. 6 * Dau (skill) and Matai these ar the crafts people and specialize skilled people of the tribe e. g. Dau ni vucu (Poet/choreographer/composer), Dau ni yau (treasurer), Mataisau (carpenter/or burn downoe builder)1 The mataqali be subdivided into Tokatoka, each comprising closely related families. some(prenominal) mataqali comprise a village, several of which form a yavusa or district. The British compound rulers amalgamated the districts into Yasana, or commonwealths. The districts also form ternion Matanitu, or Confederacies. These ar ofttimes said to be agglomerations of provinces, but as the latter were a colonial imposition, the boundaries do non coincide exactly, and the Provinces of Tailevu, Ra, Naitasiri, Lomaiviti and split of Yasawa and Ba sees the Kubuna Confederacy. This Confederacy in mod Fiji is considered to be the some senior.The other two ar Burebasaga (covering the rest of Viti Levu), and Tovata, covering Vanua Levu, Lau archipelago and Rotuma. Despite its closing off and relatively small size, Tovata has been politically dominant since Fiji gained its indep endence in 1970. Language The official language is face while the home(a) original language is Bauan which is solitary(prenominal) one of the many a(prenominal) dialects that exist in the Fiji Group, each of the fourteen provinces more or less bedevil their own dialect though there is a clear distinction between the dialects of the West, Central and Eastern parts of the domain.Other languages mouth in the awkward are Fiji Hindi, Cantonese, Rotuman, Gilbertese (Rabi Island), and Tuvaluan (Kioa Island). The Fiji Islands are conventionally relate to their island neighbours Rotuma, Tonga and Samoa, and this is obvious in the culture and dialects of the blue and Eastern provinces universe Cakaudrove, Bua, Macuata, and Lau. The many dialects spoken in these four provinces consistently role sounds that are heard in Tongan and Samoan, but not so with dialects from the westbound and South western sandwich parts of Fiji.The Fijian language uses a Latin alphabet. However, th e Fijian alphabet is dissimilar from the English alphabet. Fiji English The existence of many dialects within the Fijian language as hale as exposure to the other languages spoken eat up contributed to many Fiji Islanders organism bilingual. For general colloquy in an informal environment, a very provoke cross use of the languages has developed, resulting in slang now comm yet referred to as Fiji English. In formal settings, of course, correct use of goods and services is adhered to.Fiji English comprises aspects of Fijian, English and Hindi, which reflects the hi warmheartedness level and identity of the people of Fiji. Fiji English is non-r sultryic. . Cultural arts and social polity In culture, its heterogeneous crafts and music give it an identity along with it traditional etiquette and falsifying forms of clothing attire, its unique architecture also tells a taradiddle of a culture and its evolution, the following exit discuss these aspects of culture in Fiji. valet ities and crafts Fijis arts and crafts reflect local anesthetic anaesthetic adaptations of their Polynesian and Melanesian heritage.By tradition, the mens and womens crafts are separate. Womens crafts The village of Na lotu on Kadavu Island is far-famed for its pottery, the make of which is still governed by strict rituals. Nadroga and Rewa also produce fine pottery. Each neck of the woods has its own unique style in the making of pottery. Tapa from the Lau Islands in Fiji. The making of Tapa cloth, or (masi), is another(prenominal) craft associated with women. Tapa is do from the bark of the piece mulberry tree and decorated in charcoal with symbolic motifs and discordant patterns.In modern durations, it has become fashionable for a masi to bear the name of the person who make it. Masi are often permuted as gifts on formal occasions. The island of Vatuelele of the southern swoop of Viti Levu is famous for its masi products. Most Fijian mats are made from the leaves of th e pandanus tree. The long branch of preparation includes scraping and boiling the leaves, and drying them in the sun. in that respect are antithetic mats utilise for distinct occasions, and some are made as gifts for formal occasions much(prenominal)(prenominal) as weddings.Most mats are meet with highly decorative and brightly benighted wool. unmatched well-know Fijian mat is the kuta, made by women in Vanua Levu, e peculiarly Bua. Weaving using mingled materials was another craft generally know by the women but also aspects of twine were mastered only by the men, various typesetters cases of weaving salutary were and still are basketful weaving, cocoa palm rope weaving, and coconut leaves weaving. workforces crafts Carving was pulld by the men carving would be employ for percentage points of practical use and simple word forms and image were used.A lot of effort was depute into well adorned weapons and items for the home and ceremony, today carving is ade pt for its use in tourism and no longer plays a major role in Fijian society and life except in the case of the Tanoa used from drinking Kava. Drua, the more or less impressive Fijian canoe. Canoe grammatical construction was another art practiced only by the men, canoes were not only the major form of communication, but were master(prenominal) in all aspects of Fijian society, from the gathering of food and transporting of crops to use in presentation ceremonies and they were submissive in wars and politics which were rife in Fiji. 9 The art of Canoe building was wide-ranging across the group and had several different types but of a similar be after, the Camakau was a small twin hulled canoe for fish or small transportation purposes, the approximately impressive of Canoes in Fiji were that of the Drua. In Fijis aboriginal history before European matter, Control of the seaway was a major and decisive objective disrupting or tender off the enemies supply and reinforcements gave massive reinforcement in strife and would ensure victory. sea battles involving hundreds of canoes were frequent. The canoe, which inspired fear and awe and so often held the balance was the tycoony Drua. wizard of the most elaborate and beautiful artifacts of Oceania, the Drua was a product of considerable group efforts and man reach. Double hulled and of gigantic proportions, the Drua was a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship, requiring total community involvement in its construction and human sacrifice in its launching. 10 Its speed out at sea would be in waste of twenty knots and still remained highly manoeuvrable, it was assailable of carrying upward of 150 warriors and likewisek some 6 to 7 years to build and would vary in length from 100 feet to 118 feet and have a mast height of 60 to 70 feet, in the mid-19th century the following accounts were preserve Up went the huge sail, down went the capacious steering oars, splashing into the sea, and away we iri descent a ilk a racehorse.Owing to the vast rate at which we were going, the sea was like a hissing cauldron on either side of our course, and the vessel, sooner of having time to mount over the smaller waves, roll in the hay its way through them. (West, 1869). It had a magnificent appearance with its immense sail of uncontaminating mats its velocity was almost inconceivable. (Wilkes, 1840). Ratu Seru Cakobau commanded an impressive transcend which had Several Drua with armed warriors ready for battle the led Canoe was named Rusi I Vanua or Cursed is the land. 11 Much of the art of Canoe building has been lost and only a small few still practice the art on a very small scale as its use in this modern era seems to have lost its place. The craft of Canoe building was traditionally reserved for the male. execute arts Fijian rugger police squad Performing a Traditional struggle Dance before their rugby fulfil against Canada. The Meke An indigenous art form is the Meke, wh ich whitethorn incorporate the seasea (womens fan dance) or a meke wesi (mens spear dance).It is unremarkably a narrative of an authorized number such as a war, a chiefly installation, or even a scandal. Some mekes are generations old, and form an important part of Fijis oral history. In olden times, the meke was considered to be an oracle from the gods, and the Dau ni vucu, or composer, would often go into a trance before a performance. Others are modern, composed for a particular event, much as a poet laureate might write a poem to note an event in a Western country. 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. in that location are also various Indian dances and Chinese dances which are performed at germane(predicate) festivals marking important times for these communities which are now a part of Culture in Fiji. Music Mu sic of gaga Fiji consisted of various chants which often told a story or preserved information to be passed on from generation to generation, these songs used various traditional instruments.With the introduction of European and Asian cultures music in Fiji has evolved and songs sung in the Fijian vernacular are favorite but so also are songs in Indian and English, some local artists mix all three languages and traditional instruments from each culture making for a very interesting musical experience. A distinct Indian sound has evolved in Fiji that some see as influencing modern Indian music and even jazz. tog and costume The traditional attire was lumbus cloths for men and grass skirts for women.Skirts were short for single women, and long for married women, with girls tolerateing pure locks before marriage. Most ladies of rank had the commence parts of their bodies decorated with tattoos. Chiefs trim downed more elaborately. moderne Fijis issue dress is the sulu, which resembles a skirt. It is commonly worn by both men and women. One type worn by both men and women is the Sulu va Taga pronounced Sulu vah Tanga which is a wrap almost piece of rectangular material which is elaborately decorated with patterns and designs of varying styles this is for more chance(a) and informal occasions. some men, especially in urban areas, also have Sulu va taga which is a spare sulu and can be tailored as part of their suit. many another(prenominal) willing wear a shirt with a western-style collar, tie, and jacket, with a matching Sulu va taga and sandals, this type of sulu can be worn to a semi formal or formal occasion. take down the military uniforms have incorporated the Sulu va taga as part of their ceremonial dress. Women usually wear a multi-layered Tapa cloth on formal occasions. A blouse made of cotton, silk, or satin, of often worn on top. On special occasions, women often wear a tapa sheath across the chest, quite an than a blouse.On other occasi ons, women may be dressed in a chamba, also known as a sulu I ra, a sulu with a specially crafted top. There are many regional variations throughout Fiji. Residents of the village of Dama, in Bua Province and Cakaudrove i Vanua (Province), Fiji wear finely weave mats called kuta, made from a reed. While traditional and semi-traditional forms of dress are still very much in use amongst indigenous Fijian culture, there is a greater influence for Western and Indian forge in urban areas as in neighboring developed nations. Traditions and ceremoniesEtiquette in indigenous Fijian ceremony is rather obscure depending on the function as various formalities and presentations which do several things foremost it shows respect between two communal groups, ratify tribal and family ties and reinforce social, tribal and family ties. Various items are used in ceremony and surrounded by ceremony, Kava, known in Fiji as yaqona, is Fijis national drink. Traditionally, it was used only in important ceremonies. Nowadays, it is a social beverage. There is a strict protocol associated with yaqona drinking.One should smasher once, clasping the hands, take the cup, and drink the yaqona in a single draft before returning(a) the cup to the bearer. Another highly prized item in ceremony is the tabua or behemoths tooth, other items also the use of mats (masi) are also used traditionally in ceremony also various regions have tradition that has been passed down generation to generation for centuries one example are the firewalkers of beqa. The Sawau tribe of Beqa are noted for their might to walk on white hot stones without being burned. 12 Strict rituals have to be find before the firewalking ceremony. There is an antediluvian myth closely how an ancestor of the Sawau tribe was given this power by a spirit god in exchange for his life, after the god was captured by the man who was fishing for eels. Cuisine The cuisine of Fiji in pre-colonial times consisted of root crops, vegeta bles, and fruits, as well as various land animals such as wild pig, human, and various birds. The coastal tribes would have had the same, but also had a large amount of local seafood.These would have been prepared with local herbs and spices on wood fire rock ovens. Most formulation areas were located in the center of raise so the smoke would repel insects and strengthen the chapiter thatching. Another everyday rule of cooking, which is still used today, is the lovo which is an earth oven13 a fire made on in a pit in the nation lined with heat-resistant stones. It closely resembles the hangi of the New Zealand Maori. When the stones are hot, food wrapped in (banana) leaves, is placed in the pit, covered with soil and leave to cook before being exhumed and eaten.Dishes cooked this way include palusami, parcels of taro leaves saturated with coconut milk, onions, and sometimes tinned meat. Modern Fijian Cuisine is rather diverse with great influence from Indian cuisine and spi ces. When these are applied to local traditional dishes, it makes for interesting eating. European, Indian, and Chinese variants of cuisine, along with traditional foods, are common place in most, if not all households in Fiji. Architecture A bure kalou, a sketch done in the previous(predicate) 1800s.In disused Fiji, the architecture of villages was simple and practical to meet the physical and social need and to provide communal safety the houses were solid in shape and with pyramid like shaped roofs,14 and the walls and roof were thatched and various plants of practical use were implanted nearby, each village having a meet house and a Spirit house. The spirit house was elevated on a pyramid like base strengthened with large stones and earth, again a square building with an elongated pyramid like 14 roof with various scented botany planted nearby.The houses of Chiefs were of similar design and would be set higher than his subjects houses but instead of an elongated roof woul d have similar roof to those of his subjects homes but of course on a larger scale. With the introduction of communities from Asia aspects of their heathen architecture are now perspicuous in urban and bucolic areas of Fijis two main Islands Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. A village structure shares similarities today but built with modern materials and spirit houses (Bure Kalou) have been replaced by churches of varying design.The urban landscape of early Colonial Fiji was reminiscent of most British colonies of the 19th and 20th century in tropical regions of the world, while some of this architecture remains, the urban landscape is evolving in leaps and boundary with various modern aspects of architecture and design becoming more and more evident in the business, industrial and domestic sector, the rural areas are evolving at a much slower rate. Literature The emergence of Fijis literature (as distinct from oral literature) coincides with the countrys transition to independence in 1970.Among the first published works of Fijian literature, in the late 1960s and early 1970s, were Raymond Pillais short stories (in English) and Pio Manoas rhyme (in English and in Fijian). More new-made notable Fiji writers include Satendra Nandan (poet and novelist), Sudesh Mishra (poet), Larry Thomas (playwright), and Joseph Veramo (novelist). pietism Religion is quite diverse with Christianity being the dominant religious belief in Fiji. Many Christian denominations are present in Fiji, the most prevalent of which is Methodist.Of the other Asian religions the Hindu faith is dominant, followed by Islam. There are other belief systems observed by Fijians as well. The relate of Christianity The impact of Christianity in the 19th century resulted in certain traditions being proscribed. In the pre-Christian era, human sacrifice was practiced. Men were buried viable to hold the pillars to the house of a chief. Cannibalism was practiced, too16 the bodies of enemies slain in bat tle, or in sacrifice, were piled up and cooked for festivals, such as the installation of chiefs or the launching of a great canoe. 16 Seru Epenisa Cakobau. The Bauan warlord who united the disparate tribes of Fiji and proclaimed himself fag in 1871, renounced cannibalism on his conversion to Christianity in 1854. A bure kalou, a pre-Christian Fijian spectral Building. Old religion Fijis old religion is no longer practiced by the majority in the indigenous community who have adopted Christianity. Old deities are still acknowledged and respected, but not worshipped. Fijian rituals still exists in private. Demographics Of the various faiths, Christianity is the dominant belief system and ncluding all the various denominations of the Christian faith they number in total 449,482. Hindus, with their various denominations, number in total 261,097. Muslims make up 54,324 of Fijis population. Followers of other belief systems make up 10,166 of Fijis population. Sports Sports culture is un ique as different racial mixes and cultures come together in a common interest. Fiji is fanatical about sports and the two most dominant being rugby and soccer. Traditional sports Sports in elderly times had a practical place, by from recreation, helping to train young warriors.One such practice would have the senior men bring the male children a severely injured captive of war, allowing the boys to practice their archery skills against this living target. There were other sports that were practiced in older times which are not practiced now. Notable traditional sports used to be vie were tiqa, ulutoa, veisaga, and veisolo. Modern sports The Fiji sevens aggroup at the 2006 area Games in Melbourne. Sports have developed greatly over the past two decades in Fiji with a wide variety of sports undertaken. Fiji is most well known for its prowess in the game of rugby sum total and in particular rugby sevens. rugger coalescence rugby football union is the most popular sport in Fiji . The highest level of argument is the Colonial Cup. The Fiji national rugby union team has competed in five Rugby World Cup competitions. The Fijian Rugby Sevens team is constantly one of the top two or three teams in the world, often the premier team. Rugby fusion Rugby league is a popular team sport played in Fiji. The Fiji national rugby league team is known as Fiji Bati, with the team competing in three Rugby partnership World Cup competitions. They made it to the semi-finals of the 2008 Rugby League World Cup. footballFootball was a minor sport, but over the last decade with further internationalistic funding from FIFA and sound local prudence of the sport has grown in popularity amongst the Indian community initially but now also the Fijian community. Other sports Many sports exist in Fiji and in many ways has its own cultural following, sports such as golf which has been made famous by Fiji athlete Vijay Singh. Sports such as cricket and surfing which was brought to pr ominence by former world champion and Fiji athlete Tony Philips. Sailing in varying forms, various adventure sports, athletics, various Asian military arts, boxing, and the list goes on.