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| Liahona marching band kicks off the parade celebrating the King's birthday on July 4, 2018 (downtown Nuku'alofa. |
It's been a long week of celebrations that lasts well into the evenings with local dances and loud music. Schools are out for the week and businesses close (only on July 4th). The senior missionaries attended the parade in downtown Nuku'alofa as a group and had an enjoyable outing. I have included many photos from the parade.
The birthday of the King Topou is celebrated in Tonga on the 4th of July each year, although his actual birthday is on the 12th of the month. Celebrations begin on 1 July and last a week with 4 July being considered a public holiday.
I have to keep the videos short to enable uploading them to the blog. The band is few in numbers but mighty in sound. Music plays a big part of life in the Tongan culture. There were several bands but none better than Liahona's marching band! Her are a few photos of the parade entires. What they lack in sophistication they make up for with enthusiasm. We thought we had good seats until the parade started and everyone just walked out into the street in front of us. WE had to stand on a retaining wall even see the parade in the midst of the throng of people.
King Tupou VI was born the youngest of three boys born to King Tupou the IV and Halaevalu Mataáho ‘Ahome’e, with a given name of ‘Aho’eitu ‘Unuakiótonga Tuku’aho. Later in life, he was given three official titles, Lavaka, ‘Ulukalal and Ata, which replaced his given name. In 2000, he was appointed Prime Minister, a position he held until his father’s death in September 2006. His older brother, King George V, assumed the throne, but was not married and had no children. Lavaka, as he came to be known, was named heir-presumptive as the middle brother was ineligible since he had married a commoner. In 2012, King George V died of leukemia and Lavaka ascended to the throne.
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| King Tupou VI and his entourage.He is very loved by the people of Tonga.(photo from last years fair as he walked past us - July 2017)He had lots of security and several dignitaries with him. The security detail would come through first and move everyone over to the side so he could pass. |
The King was in Ha'apai this year as the celebrations began on the July 1st. There is typically a thanksgiving prayer held at the palace which is followed by a Royal Luncheon outside in the palace grounds. Traditional entertainment is performed and often includes the presentation of lakalaka, ma'ulu'ulu and group dances
There is also a military parade and a flag ceremony at the beginning and end of the royal function which is often recorded and broadcast on national radio and television.
In addition to parades and traditional entertainment, there are brass band performances by the Royal Corps of Musicians as well as other well-known performers. Offices, schools and businesses are closed on the 4th of July in order to celebrate His Majesty’s birthday.
Fun Facts About Tonga
Tonga consists of over 170 islands only 36 of which are inhabited. The total land area is about 750 sq km or about 1/4 the size of Rhode Island. However, if you add in its territorial waters it is over 700,000 sq km, just slightly larger than the state of Texas. Most of the Tongan islands are classified as Atolls. I ran across this youtube video of how an Atoll is formed and thought it might be interesting to a few of you. Click here to see a short video of how an atoll is formed.
Photos from around the island
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| Elder Chandler and Elder Fehoko rarin' to go |
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| Elder Mafi and Elder Breshears on P-day |
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| Elder Noa and Elder Anderson after a visit to the dentist |
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| Elder Woods Elder Earl at their ngaua 'ofa (service project) and Sister Kapp |
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| A fellow cross-country runner (Elder Earl's back) |
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| Roller Derby in the garage (the only cement) |
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| Home-made stilts |
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| Finally lost her last chick of a brood of 12 (we're trying to get rid of the cats) |
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| Chick feeding chick |
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| Original home being rebuilt - not as large as the tent. |
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| Impromptu volleyball |
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| Newly paved road to the Houma blow-holes. |
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| Lunch date with my honey at Carpe Diem. Notice the person in the booth behind us eating a hamburger with a knife and fork. |
Just a couple of things. Why the 4th of July? Is that a coincidence with our country celebration? If the King had been born in October would they still celebrate in July? That is number one.
ReplyDeleteNumber two is: Whats up with the straw skirt? In a hot and humid climate that seems like it would just make things that much more uncomfortable. That seems like such a useless piece of clothing to have to deal with. Bending over to sit or tie a shoe would be difficult as well. So what's up with the straw skirt?
Love ya, Sam
The July 4th holiday is a coincidence and yes, it doesn't matter when the King is born they celebrate it on July 4th (he may have 2 celebrations). The Ta'avala (mat or straw skirt as you put it) is part of their best dress. They are family heirlooms and used to show respect. It is not the newest or prettiest but the ones with the most family history associated to them that are the best. When worn in funerals, the closer the relationship to the deceased, the bigger the mat.
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