The cohabitation of several religions
Before the arrival of the first missionaries in the 1830s, Fijians honored multiple gods, and legends abounded in the culture. The missionaries helped make Christianity the leading religion in Fiji (about 2/3 of the population today). The main current is now that of the Methodist Church, launched by the English preacher George Whitefield and later carried forward by John Wesley. This is a current of Protestantism, and Methodism found its audience mainly in English-speaking countries or their former colonies. The Methodist movement was quick to take a stance against slavery, and has spoken out on many social issues. Fijian Christians are devout, and Sunday mass is an important social ritual. There are also Catholics and other denominations, but in a minority.
The arrival of Indians in 1879 with the Girmit brought Hinduism, Sikhism and Islam to the islands. Today, just under 30% of the population is Hindu, and very few are Sikh. The most important temples in Fiji are Nadi (Sri Siva Subramanya Swami) and Labasa (Naag Mandir Temple). Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is an important festival for Hindus. Its exact date varies from year to year (late October-early November in 2024).
Around 6% of the population is Muslim, and the main cities all have sizeable mosques, easily recognizable by their height and green-and-white color scheme. The birth of the Prophet Mohammed and Ramadan are high points for Muslims.
Myths and legends in Fiji
Legends are an important part of Fijian folklore, and there is an oral tradition of passing them on. Here, we tell you the legend of the snake-god Degei, who, according to Fijian culture, is responsible for the creation of the world. In the beginning, Degei's only friend was Turukawa, an eagle, who abandoned him and Degei was left alone. After Turukawa's departure, Degei found two abandoned eggs in Turukawa's nest, which he took home to care for. After several weeks, the eggs hatched and two little humans were born. Degei raised the babies, planted vegetation to feed them and told them stories. Several years passed and Degei crossed the ocean with the humans, arriving at the village of Viseisei, reputed to be the first Fijian village. According to legend, Degei created Viti Levu and the surrounding islands. Degei is said to now live in the Nakavadra mountain range, and the souls of those who have just died pass through his cave, awaiting Degei's judgment to either send them to paradise or plunge them into the lake to await punishment for their past wrongs. Since then, during the kava ceremony, a bowl is often offered first to the snake-god Degei as a sign of respect and thanks for the creation of human life.
Lutunasobasoba is also an important figure in Fijian legend. He is said to have arrived with his family aboard a canoe, the "Kaunitoni", in Vuda, in the Lautoka region. He is accredited with the title of First Fijian, but is also sometimes referred to as Degei's brother. Lutunasobasoba then settled in a mountain range in central Viti Levu. His tomb is said to be in Lewa, and the area is now blessed. According to another legend, Lutunasobasoba was a warlord and the Kaunitoni came from Egypt with a magic box that fell into the water towards the Mamanucas. Degei, who was his general on this voyage, decided against Lutunasobasoba's orders to return for the box, but he was transformed into a snake and the box remained in the sea near the Mamanucas, bringing them prosperity.
