"If you visit a village uninvited, ask to see the headman at once; it's not proper just to turn up and look around. Never wander around unaccompanied: beaches, reefs and gardens are all someone's private realm. Complex codes of behavior are in operation; do as you're asked and discretely find out why later.
- Dress modestly; sleeves and sulu or sarongs are fine for both men and women. You will rarely see adult Fijians swimming and when they do they cover up with a T-shirt and sulu.
- Take off your hat and sunglasses, and carry bags in your hands, not over your shoulder; considered rude to do otherwise.
- It is rare to see public displays of affection between men and women.
- Bring yaqona (kava) with you. This is for your sevusevu, requesting permission to visit the village from the chief and, in effect, the ancestral gods. He will welcome you in a small ceremony likely to develop into a talanoa (gossip session) around the tanoa (kava bowl), so be prepared to recount your life story.
- Check with your host if you can take photos and wait until after the sevusevu to start snapping.
- Stoop when entering a bure (thatched dwelling) and quietly sit cross-legged on the pandanus mat. It is polite to keep your head at a lower level than your host's. Fijians regard the head as sacred - never ever touch a person's head.
- If you're staying overnight and had planned to camp but are offered a bed, accept it; it may embarrass your hosts if they think their bure is not good enough.
- The custom of kerekere means that people may ask you for things. If you don't want to give an item away, just say that you can't do without it.
- Travel with thank-you gifts of tea, tinned meat, or sugar, or contribute some cash to cover costs.
- Sunday is for church and family."
No comments:
Post a Comment