The constant presence of spiritual awareness, deep fervor, and the delegation of power to a higher being all characterize the relatively new Christian beliefs. However, the emotional qualities seem to be drawn from the well of the old Fijian religion. However, noting one difference, a villager told me that fear of the devil and evil spirits has subsided in more recent times and contact to a higher being has not been as easy to find with the new Christian faith. You used to be able to see the devil walk from here to there. That was then, not now.
Family ties involve life-long attachment, emotional closeness and economic dependency.
The family functions as a safety net for all individuals in the village by its strong presence. I see a weakness in the Fijian family system in its tendency to limit the drive for individual achievement. For example, although Fijians may decide to travel for the purpose of a job or education, it is always in the back of their minds, especially in rural areas, that it is acceptable and desirable to return to the village life eventually, if they leave at all. There is no work for you there. It is better to stay in the village where land is gold.