Marau na Kerisimasi
Marau na Kerisimasi is the Fijian way to say merry Christmas.
This phrase is used to offer good wishes during the Christmas season.
Meaning: good wishes at Christmas time (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Marau na Kerisimasi literally translates to 'Happy the Christmas'. The word Marau is the adjective used to express happiness or joy, na is the definite article meaning 'the' and Kerisimasi is a transliteration of the English word 'Christmas'.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase Marau na Kerisimasi, Marau functions as the adjective for happy or joyful, na serves as the definite article 'the' and Kerisimasi is the noun for Christmas.
Did you know?
- Christmas in Fiji is often celebrated with a lovo, where food is slow-cooked in an earthen oven underground. This traditional feast is a central part of the holiday gatherings.
- Because Fiji is in the Southern Hemisphere, the 'merry' atmosphere of Marau na Kerisimasi occurs during the height of the tropical summer.
- In many Fijian Christian communities, the spirit of the phrase is often accompanied by the singing of hymns, which are a central part of the cultural celebration.
Examples in context
- Marau na Kerisimasi vei iko.Merry Christmas to you.
- Marau na Kerisimasi vei kemuni na vuvale.Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Example conversation
Sereana and Semi greet each other at a holiday party.
- SereanaBula, Semi! Marau na Kerisimasi!Hello, Semi! Merry Christmas!
- SemiBula, Sereana! Marau na Kerisimasi vei iko talega!Hello, Sereana! Merry Christmas to you too!
- SereanaO sa vakarau tiko meda kania na meri?Are you ready for us to eat the feast?
- SemiIo, au sa vakarau tiko.Yes, I am ready.
