Fijian Cosmos

As a people, the Fijians are known as some of the friendliest and most laid back people on the globe.  The fast-paced, busy life in the northeastern United States may just be too much for them.  The people of Fiji value their customs and traditions and welcome guests into their villages and homes.  In contrast, the people of America lack a sense of community and therefore customs and traditions have diminished.  In my opinion, Americans are self-consumed and tend to only come together in times of need.  The people of Fiji identify with a sense of community and live in villages.  In Fiji, it really does take a village to raise a child!  Community is so important that most wealth and resources are divided among the residents of a village.  The selfish nature of the American people would be appalling to the Fijian people.

There are many customs that are observed on a daily basis in Fiji.  While in a village, one should be respectful by removing hats, leaving shoes outside the door when entering a home, and never touching someone's head.  When visiting a village in Fiji, it is only proper to present a gift of kava to the head of the village.  While some of these traditions are observed in America, it's not a daily way of life.