Fiji Flag

The modern Fijian flag is a symbol of independence and pride. It represents Fiji’s history, as well as the intense pride and nationalism Fijians possess toward their country. Although there has been some debate on making modifications to the flag, it has remained generally unchanged to this day and flies proudly throughout the Islands, especially on Independence Day and on other important days and holidays.

History of the Fijian Flag

Before ceding the country to British rule, the government of Fiji had adopted a national flag featuring blue and white vertical stripes with a red shield portraying a white dove in the center. However, when Fiji relinquished its independence to Great Britain in 1874 and became a British colony, the original flag ceased to be used.

The flag that was used during the time Fiji remained a British colony depicted a dark blue ensign with the British national flag in the upper left-hand corner and the Fijian coat-of-arms below it to its right. The crest, which was originally granted by Royal Warrant in 1908, shows a British golden lion holding a cocoa pod at the top of the shield, along with sugarcane to the upper left, coconut palm to the upper right, a dove of peace to the lower left and a banana bunch to the lower right. A canoe is displayed above the crest, and the supporters, two Fijian warriors, are guarding the crest, while at the bottom it reads the motto, “Rere vaka na kalou ka doka na Tui.” Translated in English, it means, “Fear God and honor the King.” This flag was used as the national flag of Fiji until the country achieved independence in 1970.

Modern Fijian Flag

The national flag of the Republic of Fiji was officially adopted when Fiji achieved independence from Great Britain on October 10, 1970, now Fiji’s Independence Day. The design for the flag was chosen as the result of a competition that was won jointly by Mr. Robi Wilcock and Mrs. Murray MacKenzie. It is still quite similar to the flag that was used during British rule, featuring a light blue ensign with the British national flag and Fiji coat-of-arms still in their proper places, with the warriors, canoe and the motto excluded.

There has been some debate about the current design of the flag, one issue being the Union flag. Some reformists have called for the removal of the British Flag from the design, although others support retaining it for the sake of remembering their country’s history. Fiji also still remains in close alliance with the British to this day. Another issue about the flag that has been debated upon is the restoration of the full coat-of-arms as it had been displayed on the flag prior to Fijian independence because the motto, warriors and canoe are all national symbols of the country. Despite these issues, though, the national Fijian flag still remains the same today.

Fiji National Anthem

The National Anthem of Fiji is Meda Dau Doka, or “God Bless Fiji,” which was made official upon independence in 1970. The melody was adapted from a 1911 hymn, Dwelling in Beulah Land, by Charles Austin Miles, whilst the lyrics and music were composed by Michael Francis Alexander Prescott.

Fijian lyrics:

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

CHORUS:
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

English Translation:

Let us show pride and honor our nation
Where righteous people reside
Where prosperity and fellowship may persevere
Abandon deeds that are immoral

CHORUS:
Let Fiji live on
And progress onwards
May our leaders be honorable men
Let them lead our people
To great things
And bring an end to all things immoral
Let us show pride and honor our nation
Where righteous people reside
Where prosperity and fellowship may persevere
Abandon deeds that are immoral
The burden of change lie on your shoulders youth of Fiji
Be the strength to cleanse our nation
Be wary and not harbor malice
For we must abandon such sentiments forever