Lotu a Tamaiti Holiday 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

Lotu-a-Tamaiti is a national holiday observed on October 9, which occurs on the Monday following the second Sunday of October this year. Since the nineteenth century, it has been observed by the Samoan Islanders as a tribute to children.

Typically, children-focused Christian church services observe the public holiday. On this day, children don white attire and perform premeditated hymns and performances.

The background of Lotu a Tamaiti Holiday

Approximately 3,000 years ago, the progenitors of the present-day inhabitants of the Samoan Islands arrived in the archipelago. The Samoan language traits suggested that the settlers originated from the island nation of Tonga. As time passed, the Samoans fostered more robust diplomatic relations with the adjacent islands of Fiji and Tonga by means of intermarrying Tongan and Fijian nobility with Samoan nobility. Jacob Roggeveen, a Dutchman, was the initial European to observe the islands in 1722.

Later, in 1830, John Williams, a member of the London Missionary Society, led European, Tahitian, and Cook Islander merchants and missionaries to the islands. The Samoan warlord Malietoa Vainu’upo was converted to Christianity by Williams. Williams established Lotu Tahiti, a Christian mission, with his assistance and converted the majority of the population.

The three main powers—Great Britain, Germany, and the United States—fought for control of the islands in the late 19th century. In 1889, the three nations were on the verge of war; however, a catastrophic typhoon that destroyed six of their warships averted the conflict. A few months later, the Samoa Tripartite Convention was executed, wherein the United States assumed jurisdiction over American Samoa and Germany relinquished control of Western Samoa.

In exchange for Britain relinquishing its claims to Samoa, the Germans were compelled to transmit their protectorates in the North Solomon Islands and other territories in West Africa. The Tripartite Convention of 1899 was implemented without seeking the Samoan people’s input. The catalyst that ignited a profound sense of animosity among the convention attendees was this decision, which ultimately prompted the island nation to attain self-governance.

In 1908, the Samoan people initiated the Mau movement in Western Samoa in an effort to attain independence. Orator chief Lauaki Namulau’ulu, who spearheaded the movement, was exiled to Saipan in 1909 with his family and key supporters. New Zealand occupied and subsequently annexed Western Samoa in August 1914, after encountering no opposition from Germany or the local population.

Under the administration of New Zealand, the Mau movement recommenced and acquired momentum. In due course, Samoa attained its independence from New Zealand on January 1, 1962. His Highness Susuga Malietoa Tanumafili II assumed the position of co-head of state in the same year and was sworn in as head of state in 1963. The Legislative Assembly of Western Samoa adopted the name “Independent State of Samoa” on July 4, 1997, effectively changing the name from Western Samoa.

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HOLIDAY LOTU A TAMAITI ACTIVITIES

Explore the Samoan Peninsula

In addition to sandy beaches, waterfalls, caverns, and mountains, the Samoan Islands are renowned for their endemic bird species and a distinct culture that sets them apart from other Polynesian people. If you wish to visit the Samoan Islands, you have the option of touring American Samoa, a territory of the United States of America, Samoa, an independent Samoan nation, or all three. Visiting all three is ideal!

View Samoan films

Over the years, films that examine the culture and people of Samoa and the Pacific Islands have been produced. “The Orator,” “Moana,” and “Samoan Wedding” are notable examples. Additionally, one may peruse films that prominently feature renowned Samoans such as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Sample a Samoan dish.

It is unsurprising that several exceptional dishes originating from the Samoan Islands prominently feature coconut as their primary constituent. It is said that the Samoans were the first to discover the origins of the coconut tree. Favorite Samoan cuisine includes Fa’apapa, Palusami, and Faiai Eleni, which are all delicious coconut breads.

5 noteworthy facts regarding Samoia

The capital and sole inhabited metropolis of Samoa is Apia.

Traditional Samoan tattoos are bestowed upon both boys and girls as a sacrament of transitioning into maturity.

Eighty-four percent of the thirty-seven species and subspecies of terrestrial birds found in Samoa are unique to the island.

In Samoa, ‘ie togas are woven mats that hold immense cultural significance and are reserved for momentous events.

There are Fa’afafine, a third gender in Samoan culture, who do not identify as either male or female.

LOTU A TAMAITI HOLIDAY DATES