This year, 18 August marks the third World Digital Friendly Day. Recently, the 88 Fiji commemorative banknotes issued by the Reserve Bank of Fiji are based on the Chinese customs of the god of wealth and the money tree, and write in Chinese: Wishing you prosperity, attract wealth into treasure, and attract attention.
Nandu reporters exclusively interviewed a number of Fijian officials and experts to learn the story behind the commemorative banknote. They said that in Chinese culture, the number "8" is homophonous with the "fat" of "fortune" and is considered a lucky number that can bring wealth and auspiciousness. The 88 Fiji Commemorative Note, issued on 8 August, is a manifestation of Fiji's cultural diversity, using elements such as the god of wealth and Wishing you prosperity as an outlook for a better future for fiji's economy.
"Tribute to the positive contribution of the Chinese community to Fiji"
Nandu reporter learned from the official website of the Reserve Bank of Fiji that one side of this 88 Fiji commemorative banknote is printed with the god of wealth in Chinese customs, the copper coin of "Zhao Cai Jin Bao" and the cash cow decorated with RMB, euro, US dollar and other currencies. The god of wealth holds a "Wishing you prosperity" banner and carries a jade ruyi. On the other side of the commemorative banknote is printed the Fuso flower, fiji's national flower, the Fiji national emblem and the signature of the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji.
On August 9, local time, the Reserve Bank of Fiji issued a statement introducing that the bank did not have a new FJD of 0.88 into circulation. "The newly issued Fiji $0.88 note is one of hundreds of non-circulating notes produced by the Reserve Bank of Fiji since 1974."
Nandu noted that the Reserve Bank of Fiji regularly works with reputable companies to produce a limited number of coins for collectors and enthusiasts to buy. "Commemorative banknotes and commemorative coins issued in the past, covering the themes of Christmas, landmarks, celebrities such as musicians and animals such as Fijian birds, are an important source of income for the Reserve Bank of Fiji."
The British company involved in the commemorative banknote design said that in Chinese culture, the god of wealth blessed people with good luck, happiness and prosperity. "This theme was chosen to express the blessings of wealth and good fortune to people at a time of global challenge."
Ashwin Raj, director of the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission, told Nandu reporters that "the commemorative coin is printed with the words 'Wishing you prosperity', indicating the diversity of our country's ethnic structure, and also paying tribute to the positive contributions made by the Chinese community to Fiji."
"Chinese are highly appreciated by locals for their hard work and honesty and law-abiding"
Joseph Wilamu, president of the South Pacific Island Institute for Asia Studies and adviser to the Prime Minister's Office of Fiji, told Nandu reporters that overseas Chinese and ethnic Chinese have played an important role in Fiji's economic development. "Our research shows that Chinese came to Fiji in 1855. They have played a very important role in the Fijian economy, especially in rural Fiji, where they open small shops to provide the local population with necessities of life. ”
Fijian secondary school students experience brush writing.
Nandu reporter learned that since the middle of the nineteenth century, there have been Chinese whose ancestral home is Insiyi, Guangdong, who have settled in Fiji, and have a history of nearly 170 years. The early Fijian Chinese were almost all from Guangdong, mainly from Dongguan, Zhongshan and Jiangmen.
Yang Honglian, CEO of Fiji Chinese Media, told Nandu reporters that the old overseas Chinese are mainly engaged in agriculture, retail, catering, etc., and most of the new overseas Chinese are engaged in tourism, real estate and trade. Tourism is Fiji's most important industry and Fiji's largest source of foreign exchange earnings.
Nandu reporters found that the old overseas Chinese and their descendants are better integrated into the local society and occupy a relatively important position in Fiji's social and economic development. Some of them have held important positions such as government ministers, ambassadors, parliamentarians, etc., some have become accountants, engineers and other professionals, and some have large-scale businesses throughout Fiji.
Guangdong donated Yixian School Arch.
"The Chinese in Fiji are highly appreciated for their hard work and honest and law-abiding character." Joseph Wilamu said that overseas Chinese and Ethnic Chinese would hold Spring Festival celebrations in the local area, and "the streets of the capital Suva are full of performance projects by Chinese youth, and onlookers are crowded with the scene."
Yang Honglian introduced that because Cantonese Chinese have a history of more than 100 years in Fiji, locals are more familiar with Guangdong culture and customs, such as lion dances, green picking, etc. "Most of the local employees who work at local Chinese restaurants or tour companies say 'Wishing you prosperity' in Cantonese and understand what it means."
"I mainly speak Fijian and English, but I also speak 'Wishing you prosperity' in Cantonese, and I also like to eat char siu buns." Joseph Villamu said with a smile.
Writer: Trainee reporter Liang Lingfei Nandu reporter Xiang Xueni