Important Nukualofa Wedding

Tongan Traditions Observed Important Nukualofa Wedding

AS befitting in Tonga, the Pacific’s only independent Kingdom, native cus toms have not been permitted to be eclipsed by purely European importations.

This is particularly so of the marriage ceremony. Although the Tongans are all practising Christians, it is usual, especially with the chiefly families, to have both the

Christian form of ceremony in Church, and the Tongan form.

These photos show (left) the bridal party leaving the church in Nukualofa on October 15 when Fatafehi Lapaha married Siosiua Laufulitonga Tuita; and

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(right) the young couple at the Tongan marriage ceremonial a few days later.

Fatafehi Lapaha is daughter of Queen Salote’s ADC, Vilai Tupou and his wife; her brother is the present holder of the Vaea title. Siosiua Laufulitonga Tuita is second cousin of Queen Salote and the

eldest son of Tuita, a noble of high rank.

The wedding took place at the Royal Chapel, Nukualofa, and was attended by Queen Salote, Crown Price Tungi, Prin cess Mata’aho, HBM’s Agent and Consul and Mrs. Windrum, Tongan nobles and almost all the European community. The Rev. McKay of the Free Methodist Church performed the ceremony. Afterwards 500 guests were entertained in tne Govern ment College Hall where huge tables were laden with wine and Hght refreshments of all kinds, including a five-tiered wedding cake specially imported from Auckland.

A ball followed in the evening which was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.

The ceremonies in the Tongan fashion, including feasting and dancing, took place a couole of days afterwards and were at tended by both Europeans and Tongans, including the Royal family. Guests came also from neighbouring islands.