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Christmas Day in Fiji is celebrated on December 25th, in line with the global Christian tradition commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Despite its tropical climate and distinct cultural background, Fijian Christmas celebrations share many similarities with those found in Western countries due to the influence of European missionaries who introduced Christianity to the islands.
The history of Christmas in Fiji intertwines with the arrival of Christian missionaries during the 19th century. The London Missionary Society first arrived in 1835, followed by Methodist missionaries who were particularly successful in converting Fijians to Christianity.
Today, Christianity is a major religion in Fiji, and Christmas is a public holiday marked by religious and community festivities. Many Fijians attend church services on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. Churches are often decorated with flowers, and choirs sing hymns and carols that blend traditional Fijian music with classic Christmas tunes.
Family Gatherings: Much like elsewhere, families come together to celebrate. Homes are decorated with lights, balloons, and sometimes even artificial pine trees.
Feasting: A central part of the celebration is a feast that often includes traditional Fijian foods such as lovo (food cooked underground), kokoda (raw fish salad), and other local delicacies alongside more Western-style dishes like roast chicken or turkey.
Gift-Giving: Exchanging gifts is common among family members and friends.
Meke Performances: Traditional Fijian dance performances called meke may accompany celebrations.
Community Events: Villages often have communal events which can include sports competitions or communal meals.
On Christmas Day, people typically dress up for church services. Afterward, they spend time socializing and enjoying meals with family members. Children play games while adults may engage in singing or storytelling sessions. The day is generally a mix of religious observance and joyous family gatherings celebrating community spirit.
Fiji's multicultural society means that while indigenous Fijian customs are prominent, other ethnic groups within Fiji also celebrate according to their own traditions, adding to the rich tapestry of holiday customs on the islands.
