What do you wear to a Tongan funeral?
What do you wear to a Tongan funeral?
If attending a Tongan funeral, it is customary for men and women to wear conservative black clothing as a sign of mourning, and a ta’ovala as a sign of respect. If you don’t have one, a long skirt for women or black tupenu (long black pants for men) is fine.
Why do Tongans wear mats at a funeral?
Tongan funerals are also times of great respect and love. The type of mat worn, referred to as ta’ovala, indicates how one is related to the deceased. Immediate family members might choose to wear worn or frayed ta’ovala to show respect and love for the deceased.
What is Taovala made from?
In New Zealand, they are a distinctive mark of Tongan identity. The unfinished garment is made of fine fibres from the inner part of hibiscus bark. The plaiting is so complex that Tongan weavers today are unable to duplicate it.
What is FAHU Tongan?
If you were to see someone wearing a very colorful, finely women mat to a funeral then you would know that their status is high. This highest status goes to the father’s oldest sisters’ children, called the Fahu. A younger brother would wear the dirtiest, most worn-out mat.
What does Putu mean in Tongan?
Vigil. As soon as the death has occurred all family members will be notified, nowadays often by a radio message, and they are supposed to come to the putu (funeral rites). In Tongan culture no excuses are accepted for missing these rites.
Why do Tongans cut their hair after someone dies?
According to Baron Vaea’s sister, Palu Vava’u, the ceremony takes place on the Pongipongi Tapu. She said it is a part of our culture that when someone dies, his children and those of the lower ranking side and of the father’s brother’s side, show their ultimate deference for the deceased by cutting their hair.
Why do Tongans cut hair when someone dies?
She said it is a part of our culture that when someone dies, his children and those of the lower ranking side and of the father’s brother’s side, show their ultimate deference for the deceased by cutting their hair.
What do Tongans do when someone dies?
Since most Tongan people are Christian, a Tongan funeral is a mixture of Christian and cultural customs. Everyone gathers at the church for the funeral service, including community members who didn’t know the deceased very well. Most people wear traditional funeral attire, including a woven mat.
What does Kafa mean in Tongan?
Kafa: The Kafa is a braided rope, used to tie the Ta’ovala up with, like a belt. It is worn be men and woman and it can be made from lots of things.
What does Malie mean in Tongan?
Introduction. The terminology, mālie, is an indigenous word in Tongan language and culture, one of the many languages and cultures identified in the South Pacific. Mālie means good, pleasing, pleasant, interesting, advantageous, helpful, splendid, fine, commendable, admirable, or very satisfactory (Churchward 1953).
What do people wear to a funeral in Tonga?
Tongan funerals are also times of great respect and love. The type of mat worn, referred to as ta’ovala, indicates how one is related to the deceased. Someone wearing a colorful, finely woven mat to a funeral suggests they have high status.
Who are the members of the Tongan family?
A typical family unit may consist of adopted children, cousins and other distant relatives, alongside siblings and grandparents.” “The two biggest occasions for Tongan families are weddings and funerals, both characterised by the giving of gifts including traditional tapa cloths and woven mats,” (from The Kingdom of Tonga website)
How did the Tongan tradition come to be?
Everyone has a role to play unique to their individual status in Tongan Society. It is based on the concept of sharing the blessings afforded you with those you are responsible for. This tradition comes from the belief that you don’t grow up by yourself, you don’t successfully accomplish tasks on your own, and you do not find happiness on your own.
What are the four core values of Tonga?
“Tongan society is guided by four core values, all of which combine to ensure a generous and genuine welcome to visitors to the Kingdom; Fefaka’apa’apa’aki (mutual respect), Feveitokai’aki (sharing, cooperating and fulfilment of mutual obligations), Lototoo (humility and generosity), and Tauhi vaha’a (loyalty and commitment).