Culture of Fiji is rich and diversified. One can still see that Fiji has retained most of its traditional customs and beliefs, which are very much a part of its day to day life even today. As per the ancient culture of Fiji, natives follow a strict hierarchical system of life, especially in the villages with the village chiefs held in high respect by one and all. The title of a Fijian chief is hereditary and passed on from one generation to the other. A pronounced system of patriarchy prevails in the Fijian society and most important titles and ranks throughout the country are given to males only.

Culture of Fiji: Social Fabric
A system of ranking of chiefs is also followed in Fiji, whereby holder of important titles and positions are further categorized in accordance to a rigid hierarchical system of mataqalis, vanuas and yavusas i.e. clans and sub clans. This complex social framework has often given rise to a number of bitter disputes in the past and is an underlying issue in modern day politics even today. Anyone in Fiji who is not a chief is referred to as a commoner and possesses only limited powers.

Culture of Fiji: Line of Lineage and Communal Lifestyle
Native Fijians claim to have descended from the yavusas and have been allotted village land to build a house on it and farm a small plantation. They can also sub-lease their land to others, subject to the discretion of the village elders. Most villagers prefer to lease out their land to Indian sugar cane farmers, industries and tourist resorts and the money earned from the lease-out is used for improvement of villages, such as building schools and holding social functions like weddings and funerals.

Culture of Fiji: Etiquettes
The Fijians are very friendly and welcoming people. In fact, if you stroll into one of the Fijian villages, you are likely to be invited by the villagers to their homes. However, when you go into a village, it is advisable to wear modest clothes and take off your hat as it is otherwise considered as an insult to the chief.

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