There’s a misconception most travellers have about the Maldives – they believe that the islands are all about the beaches and the resorts. In truth, the Maldives has quite a lot of culture and history to it – here’s a brief look at the culture and traditions of these islands.
The Origins
The first people to arrive in the Maldives are thought to have been from the neighbouring nations of India and Sri Lanka. These folks were heavily dependent on the sea for their livelihood and it is likely that they built some of the ancient temples dedicated to the gods of the sea that you see around the islands today.
The Arrival of Islam
Around the 12th century, traders from Africa began to make regular stops at the Maldives during their trading missions. They also brought their religion – Islam – with them and introduced it to the island folk. Over time, Islam became the major religion of the islands, replacing both Buddhism and various forms of paganism.
Music and Dance
The Africans also brought their music and dance styles with them to the Maldives. For example, the traditional Boduberu dance of the Maldives has a distinctly African rhythm and routine. If you’re staying at one of the best resorts in Maldives – say, for example, the Naladhu Private Island Maldives – be sure to head into town and see this performance for yourself.
Cultural Roles
There are set cultural roles that most of the Maldivian locals tend to follow. According to them, the men are tasked with going out to sea and providing for the family while the women are responsible for keeping the home in order.
