Maldives - traditions

Historically, the Maldives has always been an important crossroads in the Indian Ocean. That is why local culture has become a kind of melting pot of the customs of different nations, collected over the centuries. Influence on the culture and traditions of the Maldives was provided by India, Sri Lanka, Arabia, Persia, Indonesia , Malaysia and Africa. Maldivians learned these influences over the years, and as a result created their own cultural identity.

Traditions of Maldives

The first settlers in the Maldives were sailors from all over the world. They crossed the oceans and often settled on paradise islands . Many traditions they brought with them to the Maldives:

  1. Music and dancing. Some of the traditional drum rhythms and dances (known as "boduberu") demonstrate African influences, rhythmic drum beats and some songs in a language reminiscent of East African dialects.
  2. National cuisine . In the traditional food of the Maldives, there is a great influence of South Asia. This includes spicy curry using coconut milk and fish as the main products and "roshi" (thin cake). Those who are not curry fans will also find a wide selection of world cuisine, including pasta, hamburgers, noodles and other home-made dishes. The resorts boast a wide variety of international cuisine, most of which are a serious competition to the best restaurants in the world. Fresh ingredients are brought daily or grown on the islands.
  3. The role of women in society. Family values ​​and customs of the Maldives were formed under the influence of the religious component. Here Islam is adopted, which imposes on the fairer sex some taboos in relation to clothing and behavior. At the same time, women play an important role in society: this is not surprising, given the fact that many Maldivian men spend a lot of time fishing . By the way, many traditions of the country are closely connected with the sea.
  4. Traditional crafts. They include weaving mats and making beautiful varnish items, usually painted in black, red and yellow. Despite the fact that today these kinds of arts are very rare, there are still talented masters who do this. Bamboo mats are woven solely by women. They can be found in souvenir shops in the resorts and in Male - it will be a wonderful souvenir in memory of the holiday in the Maldives .
  5. Behavior rules. Getting to the Maldives, it is important to know that it is accepted to dress modestly outside the hotel . Often you have to take off your shoes when you enter the room. You need to pay attention: if the entrance is shoes, it is better to leave your own. To swim in addition to tourist zones can only be in closed clothing, and alcohol is generally banned.