Tuvaluans eat three meals a day. Toddy is collected twice daily by older boys and young men who are responsible for a few coconut trees each. Toddy is a primary source of vitamin C, especially when fresh. It can also be made into a syrup for cooking or fermented as an alcoholic beverage. Meals may be eaten at home or sometimes away, such as when food is taken by women to a returning fishing party.
All meals begin with a blessing.
Welcoming people is an important ritual in Tuvalu. They may do this on occasions when someone is leaving or arriving on the island, or as an affectionate way to greet children. If meeting after a long absence, old friends may slap one another on the back as they exchange phrases that show how close they are and how pleased they are to see each other. Greetings may continue with inquiries about a person s family and friends. Titles and last names are not often used when addressing others.