Cultural Background
Transcript: Cultural Background A brief look at my cultural background Fiji Introduction Who Am I? My name is Rayaan Nabi, and I am a twelve year-old student at Unity Grammar. My cultural background is Fijian-Indian, my ancestors being Indian, while my parents being third generation Fijians Fiji, despite being a small series of islands, has a culture steeped in tradition and rich in history. In this presentation, we will be taking an in-depth look at the Fijian Culture National Flag Welcome to the Nation! The current flag of Fiji was officially adopted on October 10, 1970, the very day of Fiji's Independence The Union Jack in the upper left, symbolizes the country's long association with Great Britain. The flag's blue field is symbolic of the surrounding Pacific Ocean. The coat of arms displays a golden British lion holding a cocoa pod, as well as panels displaying a palm tree, sugar cane, bananas and dove of peace. Some of the many produce available in the islands. National Dish Kokoda Fiji is known for its rich indigenous culture and beautiful beaches, rather than its food. But browsing one of the many markets on the island reveals a wealth of fresh produce and a truly diverse and fascinating cuisine. Fijian Kokoda is the national dish of Fiji. It is a raw fish ceviche that is served in a half coconut shell or giant clam shell in the tropical islands of Fiji. It is usually made with fresh white fish such as mahi-mahi or snapper, both of which are found in the seas surrounding the islands. The Kokoda in Fiji is prepared with plenty of citrus and coconut flavors. It is usually served with traditional bread. National Sport Rugby Sevens The population of Fiji is estimated at 880,000, of which slightly less than 450,000 are indigenous Fijians. Rugby is the leading sport throughout the Fiji Islands, with an estimated 60,000 senior players and 20,000 schoolchildren. It is believed that Fiji has the highest player-population ratio of any rugby playing nation. Rugby Sevens is now an Olympic sport which was played at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. At its first rugby sevens game in the 2016 Olympics, Fiji took home a gold medal. Rugby Sevens is a thrilling variation of traditional rugby in which it is 7 against 7, instead of 15 against 15. This gives the players more space to run around the field. Geography & Topography The Republic of Fiji is a series of islands in Melanesia, in the South Pacific Ocean 2,000 kilometers northeast of New Zealand's North Island. Fiji, is a major part of Oceania, as it consists of an archipelago of more than 330 islands—of which 110 are permanently inhabited—and more than 500 islets, amounting to a total land area of about 18,300 square kilometers. The archipelago has a combined total of 883,483 permanent residents as of 2020. Geographical Position National Anthem Meda dau doka ka vinakata na vanua E ra sa dau tiko kina na savasava Rawa tu na gauna ni sautu na veilomani Biu na i tovo tawa savasava Me bula ga ko Viti Ka me toro ga ki liu Me ra turaga vinaka ko ira na i liuliu Me ra liutaki na tamata E na veika vinaka Me oti kina na i tovo ca Me da dau doka ka vinakata na vanua E ra sa dau tiko kina na savasava Rawa tu na gauna ni sautu na veilomani Me sa biu na i tovo tawa yaga Bale ga vei kemuni na cauravou e Viti Ni yavala me savasava na vanua Ni kakua ni vosota na dukadukali Ka me da sa qai biuta vakadua National Anthem English Fijian Anthem (English) Blessing grant oh God of nations on the isles of Fiji As we stand united under noble banner blue And we honour and defend the cause of freedom ever Onward march together God bless Fiji For Fiji, ever Fiji, let our voices ring with pride For Fiji, ever Fiji, her name hail far and wide, A land of freedom, hope and glory, to endure what ever befall May God bless Fiji Forever more! Blessing grant, oh God of nations, on the isles of Fiji Shores of golden sand and sunshine, happiness and song Stand united, we of Fiji, fame and glory ever Onward march together God bless Fiji. About the Anthem About the Anthem The original national anthem ‘God Bless Fiji’ was composed by Michael Francis Alexander Prescott (1928) with a borrowed tune from a 1911 hymn by Charles Austin Miles entitled Dwelling in Beulah Land. Upon independence in 1970, ‘God Bless Fiji’ was adopted as the National Anthem. Then there’s the Fijian version ‘Meda Dau Doka’. Contrary to some opinion, it is not a direct translation of ‘God Bless Fiji’. In fact the two anthems have very little in common. Natural Resources Resources Fiji has one of the most developed economies in the Pacific Islands region. The Republic of Fiji relies on natural resources such as timber, fish, gold, copper and hydro-power; a growing tourism industry; and payments from Fijians working abroad, to sustain its growing economy. Main Religion As in many parts of the world today, in Fiji, there is minimal religious oppression, though there are some religions that are more followed than others. In order from most followers,