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Maldives People

Maldives People

Maldives People come from a variety of cultures, also influenced by Sri Lankan and South Indian cultures. It seems that popular music based on Hindi and some people like Hindi movies.

The official name “Republic of Maldives”, the total area about 300㎢, and the population about 400,000. The capital and largest city Male, the currency Rufiya, the language Dhivehi, and the religion Islam for almost all the people. The climate mild, with an average of 26-33 degrees throughout the year. December-April the dry season and May-November the rainy season, but even in the rainy season, squalls fall once or twice a day, so it easy to spend all year round.

How many people live in Maldives.

The population of the Maldives about 400,000, which the lowest among Asian countries. At the same time, about one third of the Maldivians live in the capital, Male, making it one of the most populous cities in the world.

The first inhabitants of the Maldives were the Indian colonialists. It not known exactly when they landed on these lands, but already in the third century BC, representatives of the Marathi and Gajarati were here. Later, Senegalese, Arabs, Malays, North Africans were added. Today, you can still feel their influence on the traditions and culture of the Maldivians.

Religion Of Maldives people

The Maldives the smallest Muslim country in the world. Interestingly, according to their Constitution, only Muslims can hold Maldivian citizenship. And the open practice of other confessions punishable by law.

  • Since the Maldives a very religious country, most of the festivals and celebrations here associated with Muslim beliefs. First, it is, of course, Ramadan, during which all residents fast. Due to this, most establishments in the Maldives closed during the day.
  • Another significant religious event in the Maldives the Festival of Sacrifice, which held in honor of the prophet Abraham, who sacrificed his son to God. This holiday lasts 4 days, the Hajj ends with it, special prayers held, animals sacrificed, and they meet with relatives and friends.
  • Another big holiday is Kuda Eid, which marks the end of Ramadan and falls on the first day of the Islamic month of Shaval. For 3 days, Maldivians go to mosques in the morning, and in the evenings, after the appearance of the month, they prepare a special festive menu and invite friends and relatives.
  • National holidays also of great importance. The Maldivians have Independence Day (from Britain), National Day (Day of Muhammad Takurufanu’s victory over the Portuguese in 1573), Republic Day, Victory Day (over terrorist groups from Sri Lanka), and others.

Maldives people Food

Coconut often used in traditional Maldivian dishes, and curry with coconut milk also famous. There also fish dishes such as bonito, yellowfin tuna, and bigeye scad, as well as exquisite dishes such as the fish soup called “Cardia” and the fish version of sweet and sour pork called “Devil Fish”. They tend to consume a lot of carbohydrates, and taro, rice, and sweet potatoes also essential for Maldivian cuisine. In the Maldives, the flavor and aroma of coconut, mainly carbohydrates and fish dishes, will be the most enjoyable food.

A brief introduction to cooking

Gra: Finely ground fish and palm pulp, mixed, rounded and fried.

Coverb: Deep-fried fish wrapped in a half-moon shape.

Chestnut Boki Bar: Fish meat cake.

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Fifnu trout: Charcoal-grilled fish with chili paste.

Susie: A thick, sweet drink made from semolina, coconut milk, sultanas, nuts, and a small amount of cinnamon and cardamom.

Garudiya: One of the traditional staple foods, rice sprinkled with fish soup. It tastes light on its own, so it tastes even better when eaten with traditional chili paste, chili, and onions. Garudiya can also be eaten with boiled breadfruit and taro.

Maldives people and culture

Maldives people language

The official language of the Maldives people Dhivehi. Dhivehi a mixture of Arabic, Sinhala, English, Urdu, and Hindi. The characters use Thaana characters. Although Dhivehi almost unfamiliar to Japanese people, many people can speak English because English education began in the 1960s in the Maldives. If you can speak English, you will not have any trouble in sightseeing in Maldives.

Thank you in Dhivehi “Sukkuria”, so if you remember this alone, you will be able to say thank you in the local language, which will increase your enjoyment in terms of communication.

Maldivian culture

Maldives local people from the perspective of music, dance, art, and crafts, Maldivian culture represents a timeless journey. While the influence from South Asian culture clearly seen, there also elements of Malaysian and Indonesian culture and East African and Arab culture.

At the Maldivian celebrations, you can see folk dance, an entertainment that harmonizes tradition and modernity. Music played on drums and wooden instruments also familiar to modern jazz and pop music. 

Music and dance 

The traditional songs and dances we see and hear today just some of the music that our ancestors enjoyed in the olden days. Unfortunately, in the process of modernization, many were buried in the sand of time. I would like to introduce some of the dances that Maldives currently know. 

Bandiya Jehun: This Maldivian dance a dance performed by young women and very popular. The women carry aluminum water bottles, line up in two rows, and dance face to face. Hit the water bottle with your hand with a ring to take the rhythm, sing and dance with a beautiful melody.

Tara: Maldivian Tara dance also has a special role in local entertainment. Men in white clothes sit in two rows on the ground and sing while beating the drums. Others dance between the lines. Tara said to have been introduced from Middle Eastern countries in the 17th century. Tara now played only during national events. 

Bolimara Phi Neshun: Maldives This dance comes from the old tradition of women giving gifts to the emperor on special occasions such as Eid. This gift placed in a wooden box that intricately decorated with lacquer. This crate called “Crandy Malafi” and covered with a colorful silk cloth. Women who dance wear similarly colorful dresses. There 24 dancers in one group. Dance, sing, and express the emotions of the people to the melody. 

Dandy Jehun: Maldivian Dandy Jehun Dance another type of entertainment that popular all over the country. This mainly done at celebrations such as Edu (long holidays after fasting and pilgrimage) and national events. 

Gaodi Lava: This Maldivian dance was born during the time of Emperor Mohammed Imardudeen (1620-1648 ). The emperor wanted to build a breakwater around Male to protect the island. Therefore, coral was taken from the reef around the capital. After completing the construction, the sailor of the ship carrying the coral stones visited the emperor, sang songs, danced and expressed joy at the ceremony. This dance and song soon became known as “Gar Ody Lava” (Gar a stone, Ody a ship, Lava a song). Gar Odi Lava still playing as an expression of the joy and satisfaction of completing the work in the area.

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Bodu Bell: Maldivian Bodu Bell Dance similar to some of the songs and dances found in East Africa. Perhaps a sailor from the Indian Ocean introduced the music to the Maldives. Well-known as Bodubel Rawa, Bodubel may have appeared in the Maldives in the 11th century or earlier. Bodubel usually performed by about 15 people, including 3 drummers and lead vocals. There various songs such as hero songs, romance songs, and satire songs. The beginning of the song begins with a slow rhythm that focuses on drums and dance. When the song culminates, the dancer continues to dance enthusiastically, sometimes reaching a trance.

Arts and crafts

Historical and marine ties to South Asia, Southwest Asia and the Arabs evident in Maldivian culture. Despite the new influence and rapid development and modernization, this strong connection remained clearly imprinted in the local culture. This connection and local culture were mixed to create a unique and sophisticated style of Maldivian art and crafts.

Dhoni: The Maldivian Dhoni may be a symbol of craftsmanship excellence. A ship that shaped and can withstand variable waves and winds created according to the needs of the user. The slender hull “Doni” with an elegantly curved bow can be said to be a work of art that proves the excellent skills of craftsmen. Surprisingly, this ship built without blueprints. Marvadi (the builder) creates shape and left-right symmetry only with his own eyes and experience. Shipbuilding technology has been passed down from generation to generation. 

Ships the center of Maldivian life, producing livelihoods and transporting products. Therefore, the development of ships has played an essential role in improving life in Maldives’ unique marine environment. In the 13th century, the planks of Doni were coiled together. After that, wooden nails were used until the 16th century, after which they were replaced by iron nails. The sails change in the same way. Square sails made of palm leaves have been transformed into large triangular sails. Today, it only used as a backup in the event of an engine failure. The basic style and design of Doni has not changed, but the changes in shipbuilding technology have been enormous. 

Tundu Kuner: Throughout the Maldives, women weave beautifully decorated rugs. This decoration the most impressive part of Tundu Kuner. This rug woven using how. The entire production process done by women. When the howe dries, it dyed with natural dyes and changes from tan to black and yellow. After that, it cut and trimmed and woven on a loom. Finally, an abstract design applied to the surface for a smooth finish. Complex designs vary depending on the talent and imagination of the weaver. 

Lacquer Boxes and Ornaments: Called “Rie Ragehun” in the Maldivian Divehi language, this craft probably the most famous craft in the country. The craftsmen on the island of Turadoo in Baa Atoll famous for the skill of Rie Lajehun. Shape the wood into the desired shape to make vases, jewelry boxes, and traditional round platters with lids used during festivals. Each part painted with red, black and yellow resin, and the abstract painting lightly drawn with black lines.

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Maldives festival 

Maldivian festivals and holidays celebrate religious festivals, national festivals and events. Some religious and national holidays celebrated on Islamic calendar days, while national holidays such as Independence Day based on the Christian era. 

Ramadan: Ramadan a 9-month, 30-day fasting month on the Islamic calendar. Working hours change this month. Government offices will be open from 9 am to 1:30 pm, and private companies will close at 3 pm.

Bodu Edu: Maldives Bodu Edu the 10th day of the Islamic calendar Zulhija. Those who can afford it go on a pilgrimage to the holy Kaaba in Mecca, and for those who remain, it’s time for celebrations and banquets. This the longest vacation of the year. Be prepared in advance to visit friends and relatives on other islands. Holidays about 5 to 7 days. There will be a lot of festivities throughout the country during this period. You can enjoy a wide range of activities from traditional sports, music and dance to modern sports and music. Everyone, young and old, will participate in this celebration. 

Kuda Edu: Kuda Edu in the Maldives the first day of the shower on the Islamic calendar. This a feast that begins the day after the final day of Ramadan. Early in the morning people gather at the mosque and pray. Feasts set up in every house, inviting family, friends and neighbors. This also a period of charity, and the family offers Zakatu to the underprivileged. Kuda Edu celebrated for three days. 

Independence Day: Maldives Independence Day July 26th. The highlight of the day the evening celebration at the National Stadium. The event begins with a march by the National Security Service and the Student Military Training Corps. After that, marches and dances by children dressed in colorful costumes continue. In the meantime, floats and processions drawn with traditional and contemporary themes pass by. 

National Anniversary: ​​National Foundation Day of the Maldives celebrates the victory of Mohammed Takulfane, who defeated Portugal in 1573. National Foundation Day celebrated on the third month of the Islamic calendar, the first day of the Rabbi Urahir. 

Republic Day: The Maldives became the second republic on November 11, 1968. This day celebrated with parades and marches every year.

Maldivian Economy

The fishing industry the second major industry in the Maldives after tourism, and seafood accounts for 98% of export products. There many similarities with Japan in that the fishing industry thriving, and about 50% of the fish landed bonito and about 40% tuna. Furthermore, in the Maldives, smoked bonito “bonito flakes” also produced. I will. This “Katsuobushi” known as “Maldives fish” in neighboring countries, and it an indispensable ingredient for the daily dining table of the Maldivian people by slicing or crushing it and mixing it with curry, soup, etc. I will. In recent years, the Maldivian government has been working on sports promotion, and especially in women’s soccer, while Naoko Kawamoto was appointed as the representative director, she made remarkable progress such as winning her first international tournament, and now a strong team in South Asia. It listed as one of the names. for More Info Visit https://www.tourism.gov.mv/

Maldives People
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