Uike Katoanga Kainga Lavaka (Celebration Week Kindred Lavaka)

This week was Kahoua-Pea-Lomaiviti Week, similar to Magrath Days. The land of these villages is owned by the King so royalty was present at the events. Last Saturday the King did a drive-through of the villages. 

Tuesday we had been told was 72-hour kit day. We interpreted that to be a work day so Elder Thomson wore his work clothes: dress-down pants and LDS Charities golf shirt. I did have on a skirt and blouse. When we arrived prepared to work, the people were awaiting the Princess. This was going to be a full-blown celebration with the Princess in attendance. Appropriate clothing would have been our Tongan attire! We did not have time to go home for Elder Thomson to change his clothes. But Bishop Tevake, who had invited us, told us we were fine, we are palangi (non-Tongan), it is okay what we were wearing, and he proceeded to seat us in our usual spots ... front and center. 

To begin the day, boys age 8-12 strutted out in white gym shorts and shirts. They went forward, bowed to the Princess, then proceeded to do the haka, recently known as the Mate Ma'a Tonga because the Tongan rubgy team did this before each match of the recent World Rugby Games.


This was a great way to begin the dancing. The Princess, as well as everyone else, was laughing and clapping for these boys.

The princess came down to see the 72-hour kits, which had already been made and were to be given to the handicapped center in Pea.

On the right, the military escort keeps the sun off the Princess. He is walking her back to the tent covered with tapa mats on the walls, ceilings, and flooring. It was quite beautiful.



Different groups danced before the Princess. Before dancing, they all bowed to the princess. Tongan dress and dances were beautiful. It was quite the show. We felt so honored to be a part of this cultural event.

Beautiful Tongan dress and headpiece The men danced
around the lady who performed a traditional Tongan woman's dance.

Youth dance

I loved this boys enthusiasm

   

Handicapped performed a dance

This is the tent where the Princess was seated for the celebration. After she left, people were allowed to go and have their pictures taken.

Note the beautiful tapa mat on the floor. There were others on the walls and extending out beyond the tent onto the "dance floor."

I am holding a picture of the Princess. We felt funny going into the tent and I was nervous about sitting on her chair. We were assured it was okay.

This was a fun day. The dancing was marvelous. I hope this is a yearly event and we will be able to attend again next year.