Lotu A Tamaiti
Lotu a Tamaiti is a public holiday that’s observed annually on the Monday following October’s second Sunday. This holiday’s name is a direct translation of “Children’s Day” in Samoan, but this holiday is also known as White Monday.
Samoa (Public holiday)All across the country, people take part in special services in which children memorize Bible verses or participate in religious plays. Women and children also dress up in white clothing before heading to church services. Since it’s a public holiday in Samoa, many people have the day off, and government offices, businesses, and schools are closed.
History of Lotu a Tamaiti in Samoa
The Samoan islands are composed of two separate countries: American Samoa and Samoa. Although these two countries are separate, they share many of the same customs and traditions with one another.
A good example of this is White Sunday and Lotu a Tamaiti. These holidays are a mixture of traditional harvest festivals that have existed on the islands for hundreds of years and the religious holidays brought over by Christian missionaries during the 19th century.
Observing Lotu a Tamaiti in Samoa
This holiday is observed with church services, Bible readings, and children’s games all across Samoa. As we mentioned in our introductory statement, many people dress up in white on this day before they attend religious services.
Sometimes these white outfits are adorned with the colors of the Samoan flag: red, white, and blue. Sometimes a lavalava, a lower garment traditional in Samoa, is worn by the menfolk. It’s also a day that’s filled with food, music, plays, and other festive events.
Samoa (Public holiday)
