Bula...and
welcome to the Polynesian Cultural Center's islands of Fiji.
For thousands of years the Fijians have formed a link between
Melanesia and Polynesia on their beautiful islands, which are
located almost 2,500 miles to the west-southwest of Hawaii
on the border of the Polynesian
Triangle.
About half of the population of modern Fiji is of East Indian
descent, giving the island nation a unique cosmopolitan flavor.
By the
way, the appropriate response to bula, which is an expression of good health, is bula
vinaka.
The
indigenous Fijians today are widely known for their warmth and
friendly smiles, but historically they were infamous as ferocious
warriors and cannibals. Even as those aspects of Fijian heritage
have faded into the distant past, modern Fijians have held on to many other aspects of their
traditional culture — language, architecture, food and
customs — which they share with visitors to the Polynesian
Cultural Center. We guarantee you'll be heartily welcomed by
the Fijians.
Island
activities:
Five times each afternoon — at 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00 and 5:30 — the
Fijians present in-depth demonstrations on their ancient culture:
Learn
the significance of the lali or log drum, how important
the coconut is in cooking, and other aspects of Polynesian island
life. Review the wide array of historical weapons and implements
involved in waging war upon neighboring islands and villages;
that the cowry shells on the ridge mark a house as belonging
to a chief, and that only the chief could enter that house through
his door. Everyone will also enjoy making Fijian music with derua,
a bamboo percussion instrument; or try a game of cibi (pronounced
"thim-bee").
The "village" houses:
Fijians greet visitors to their village near the lali — a
large log drum or gong that is played with heavy mallets or even a small
tree branch.
But the most dominant feature of the village is the bure kalou,
which literally means "spirit house" or temple. With its high-reaching
roof, the bure kalou is truly a landmark and one of the
most unique structures at the Polynesian Cultural Center. In ancient times
the traditional priest would go into such a temple to commune with the gods
(sorry, visitors are not allowed to climb up to the bure kalou).
The
ridge of the vale levu is marked with
cowry shells to signify it as the chief's house, and visitors
must never use his door to enter. The vale ni bose or
meeting house is an important center of activities and meetings.
The na bure, or simply the "house," is
a family dwelling, typical of what is still used in some parts
of Fiji today; the vale ni qase is where grandparents
and grandchildren stay during the day; and the vale
ni kuro or kitchen area includes coconut and food
preparation demonstrations.
The
Polynesian Cultural Center gives a delightful introduction to
the culture and people of Fiji.
