The community is of great importance, as is evident in community ceremonies, cooperative building projects, and a sense of pride in the community. According to the custom of kerekere , a relative or neighbour may ask for something that is needed, and it must be willingly given without expectation of repayment. The traditional Fijian home is called a bure . It is usually built of local hardwoods, a thatched roof, and woven floor covers. The four doors are usually kept open for air circulation and are used by different people.
Visitors enter through the front door, except for the village chief, who enters at the side.
A bure is one large room and is usually built by the entire community. Apart from beds and sometimes a dresser, furniture is not considered to be necessary. Food is prepared in a smaller, separate structure. Indians usually live in furnished tin, cement, or wooden houses, and some rural Fijians have adopted this style of house. Urban dwellers of all ethnic groups often live in European-style houses.