The Fijian Tradition of Asking for a Maiden's Hand in Marriage

Fiji is known for its beautiful landscapes and culture, particularly when it comes to marriage customs and December to January is particularly a time commonly picked by couples to celebrate in matrimony.

One key tradition before the wedding is how a young man asks for a maiden's hand in marriage. In the song “io” sung by Apakuki Nalawa of the band Inside Out he sings “au na Duguci iko, mo rosi ni nodaru vuvale vou” which summarises the Duguci process so beautifully, “i will come for you, so that you may be the rose in the flowerbed that our new family creates."

The path to marriage in Fiji includes 20 important stages, each with its own meaning. The first stage is called Taibailago, where the young man’s family tells the young woman’s parents that their son is interested in their daughter. This step is crucial as it marks the beginning of the courtship.

As the couple moves through the stages, they experience various important rituals.…more

Content Creator Uce Gang recently realised one of his biggest dreams when he met his idol Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson

The tradition of firewalking in Fiji did not always exist. It is believed to have begun a couple of hundred years ago in the small village of Nakarovu on Beqa Island. According to legend, the origins of this power can be traced back to a man named Tuinaiviqalita and the spirit God he caught.

Tuinaiviqalita, who was seeking to gain favor with a village elder, went in search of an eel to present as a gift. While digging near a creek, he captured one of Fiji's spirit gods, known locally as a 'veli', instead of an eel. The 'veli' begged Tuinaiviqalita to let him go, and in exchange, offered him and his descendants the power to control fire. Intrigued by this offer, Tuinaiviqalita followed the 'veli' as it leaped across a pit of scorching hot river stones. To Tuinaiviqalita's amazement, he was able to walk across the fiery stones unharmed, realizing the 'veli' had indeed granted him this extraordinary gift, he let the veli go.…more

Hualālai Chung
Actor
Kanaka Maoli

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Hawaiian actor Hualālai Chung is the voice of Moni, a character that joins Moana on her journey in the franchise's sequel, 'Moana 2.' Born and raised on the island of Oʻahu, he carries with him the rich cultural heritage of his Polynesian roots, inspired by his upbringing in a family of performers and entertainers.

Hualālai shares his passion for storytelling, especially through film and music, and his desire to represent Pasifika cultures and share their stories with the world.

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Tell us a bit about yourself

I was born and raised on the island of Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi. My parents were both performers and avid entertainers in our local industry here, so I grew up throughout Waikīkī, running around all the different showrooms and entertainment venues. It was when I was a child that I knew I wanted to be a performer, specifically a Sāmoan fire knife dancer.

Fire knife dancing has been an immense passion of mine, eventually expanding my horizons into acting and music as I got older.…more

In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Fiji's rugby sevens team emerged victorious at the Emirates Dubai 7s over the weekend, claiming the title for the first time in eight years.

This victory marks the end of a 22-tournament drought for Fiji, a significant achievement under the guidance of player-turned-coach Osea Kolinisau. The team showcased a remarkable performance, culminating in a decisive 19-5 victory against Spain in the men's final.

The match began with Spain taking an early lead, scoring 5 points in the first half. However, Fiji quickly retaliated, matching Spain's score just before heading into the second half, setting the stage for an exhilarating showdown.

Kolinisau expressed his joy and relief after the match, stating, “It’s been a long time coming for the boys,” especially in light of the drama that has surrounded the Fiji Rugby scene in recent years. His leadership has been pivotal in bringing the team together, revitalizing the squad with a blend of new talent and experienced players.…more

🌺✨ Join us on the blue carpet for the highly anticipated premiere of Moana 2!  Te Reo🎥🌊

In this video, we chat with the cast, crew, and special guests about the magic behind bringing this Polynesian adventure to life. From behind-the-scenes stories to heartfelt moments of cultural pride, you won’t want to miss what the stars have to say.

Get ready to dive into the world of Moana once again as we celebrate its legacy, stunning visuals, and unforgettable music. 🌀🎶

🎤 Featuring interviews with:
🌟 The voices of Moana, Maui, and new characters
🌟 Directors and producers sharing what’s new this time around
🌟 Polynesian cultural consultants on how the film honors Pacific traditions

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Moana 2 content and your chance to relive the magic of the blue carpet! 💙✨ #Moana2 #BlueCarpet #PolynesianPride

In our vibrant tapestry of Fijian culture, few symbols resonate as deeply as the traditional hairdo known as the Buiniga. Proudly worn by both our iTaukei men and women it embodies not only a unique aesthetic but also a history that sets us iTaukeis apart from the rest of the world.

Growing up surrounded by family members adorned with the Buiniga—my mother, grandmother, aunties, and uncles—I have always felt a profound connection deeper than blood to my vuvale.

Straight silky hair was always the portrayed embodiment of beauty and i would be lying if i said I’ve never thought of conforming to society by taming my natural curls. A trip to the supermarket was always met with a list of hair products to rid myself of the rough texturised hair, that I thought for a long time was an embarrassment.

Little by little with every hair straightening product doused on my head it began to wash away the little cultural identity I shared with not only my family, but my people.…more

🌺 Actress and Moana 2 star Auli'i Cravalho sits down with Coco Correspondent and PEAK Pasifika founder Kristian Fanene Schmidt to reflect on her journey in Hollywood, the importance of Pacific Islander representation, and her exciting future ahead.

The two discuss everything from working with Dana Ledoux Miller and the Moana team to Auli'i's upcoming birthday celebration filled with the best Pasifika feeds!

Moana 2 coming to cinemas November 27 2024 🎬