The South Pacific’s Only Monarchy
More than 1000 years ago, Tongan rulers created a hierarchal system of monarchy very similar to that of European dynasties. The structure included commoners, nobility and above all royalty, with the royal title passed down from father to eldest son. This patrilineal mode of succession continues in modern times. Today’s Tongan monarchy remains an influential and powerful entity in the modern Kingdom, although the present and more contemporary King, George Tupou V, has introduced concessions to accommodate a more democratic state. Historically, one of the most loved and admired members of the Tongan Royal Family was Queen Salote. Her choice to show respect by sitting in an uncovered carriage in pouring rain at the 1953 Coronation of Queen Elizabeth made her famous around the world.
The Importance of Family
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). Family is the central unit of Tongan life. Older persons command the most respect and each family member knows their role. A typical family unit may consist of adopted children, cousins and other distant relatives, alongside siblings and grandparents. Everything is communal, from food to sleeping arrangements. Brothers and sisters always sleep under separate roofs in accordance with the Tongan culture of sibling separation and respect. 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. Today, many Tongans still live in villages, especially in the outer islands, and traditional village life has not changed greatly from earlier days. Many traditional practices are still an integral part of village life, making Tonga one of most of the most authentic travellers’ destinations in the South Pacific.
A Nation Entwined With Christianity
Visiting a church on Sunday is a treasured memory for many travellers to the Kingdom of Tonga. Sundays are devoted to church, family and rest. Beautifully clear harmonies, the ringing of church bells, and the rhythmic beat of the “lali” (wooden drums), are all familiar sounds drifting on the tropical breezes. From the days of the early missionaries until modern times, Christianity has been a vital and influential aspect of every Tongan’s life, second only to the respect for family. Extremely modest dress is necessary for both Tongans and visitors, and it is expected that visitors respect Sunday as a day of rest. Businesses and shops are closed by law allowing Tongan families spend the day attending church for a relaxed day of worship and feasting. No flights are scheduled, and business contracts signed on a Sunday are legally void. It is a very respectful day and sports activities are not permitted, even in rugby-mad Tonga.
Learning the local language
Both Tongan and English are taught in schools across the Kingdom, and on the major islands of Tongatapu and Vava’u, virtually everyone speaks English as a second language. Despite the widespread bilingual skills of the Tongan people, they always welcome visitors to the Kingdom attempting to learn and use a few local phrases. Try mastering a few of these phrases, and see the warmth and generosity of the Tongan people quickly emerge.
English / Tongan
Hello / Malo e lelei
Good morning / Malo e lelei ki he pongipongi ni
Good evening / Malo e lelei ki he efiafi ni
How are you? / Fefe hake?
Fine, thank you / Sai pe, Malo
What’s your name? / Ko hai ho hingoa?
My name is … / Ko hoku hingoa ko …
Where are you from? / Ko ho’o ha’u mei fe fonua?
I’m from … / Ko ‘eku ha’u mei …
Yes / ‘Io
No / Ikai
Maybe / Maholo pe
Please / Faka molemole
Thank you (very much) / Malo (‘aupito)
You’re welcome / ‘lo malo
Welcome / Talitali fiefia
Excuse me / Kataki
I’m sorry / Faka molemole’iau
Goodbye (to someone who is leaving) / ‘Alu a
Goodbye (to someone who is staying) / Nofo a
