Maldivian way of Life
Island life is carefree and the code of practice is living in harmony with nature.
The islanders call themselves "Dhivehin". Their country "Dhivehi
Raajje" and speak "Dhivehi". Their Language is one of the oldest
in South Asia. The Maldivian script is written from right to left and is know
as "Thaana".
By nature Maldivians are born sea farers and the surrounding sea play a most
important role in they lives. Fishing is the major income earning activity for
the islanders.
The intricate skills of carving wood & stones, making coir rope and producing
lacquer work are noteworthy crafts. Weaving mats with intricate designs, building
wooden boats with no blue prints and making jewellery with indigenous material
come naturally to Maldivians. For centuries, Maldivian have lived in harmony
with nature and continue to do so inspite of the Cultural influence from the
outside World.
Maldivian norms, beliefs and traditions
Unlike in some other Islamic countries, it is quite normal for women to shake
hands with others in public. Usual greeting (at any time of the day) is "assalam
alaikum". Casual greeting is "kihineh" meaning "how are
you?". Eating or drinking on the road is alien to Maldivian etiquette.
When visiting a home, you have to first greet or call out "assalaam alaikum"
and wait until you are recognized or invited to go in.
Traditionally friends call on each other, and visit each other at all hours, without having to arrange an appointment. Nowadays, this habit is fading out. When invited for a party or dinner, the host does not expect you to give any gift or presents. The exception to this is normally at birthdays and weddings.
At mealtimes, women usually let the men-folk eat first, while they wait on them. Maldivians eat with their hands, after washing them. However, a visitor is not expected to follow this custom. Folks and spoons are normally provided.
Maldivians, by nature are very curious. This is not because they want to pry into your affairs. Being remote and isolated they are just naturally inquisitive. First impressions of visitors may be that Maldivians are timid and cunning. This is a wrong impression. Emotional communication is not of the open type. For instance, mothers (and fathers) do not openly hug their children. When they observe foreigners doing such things, this may sometimes disquieten them.
Women now-a-days visit respectable restaurants or cafeterias with friends and
family. Sometimes you may feel locals staring at you. Again, they do not mean
to be impolite or rude.
Normally at public offices such as the Post Office, it is on First Come Fist
Serve basis. Maldivians normally do not wait in a line. When looking for directions,
you may not get an immediate response from girls and women. It is more customary
to ask a man, boy or school kid for directions.
During the Holy month of Ramazan, Maldivians abstain from eating, drinking or smoking from dawn to sunset. Visitors are advised to refrain from eating, drinking or smoking in public areas as a form of respect.
At shops, do not expect too much bargaining. Unlike in other countries in the
region, Maldivian shop keepers may look a bit indifferent at times. This again
is not done to disrespect you.