Tongan Tidbits

The wind is still blowing like crazy and rain flies through from time to time but the temperature is quite comfortable and we are enjoying getting to know a little about Tonga. The local customs are sometimes a little confusing but the people who live here are very friendly and happy.

Chris & I enjoyed taking a short walk up the hill from the anchorage area today to see something besides “downtown” Neiafu. One of the more disconcerting things is that they drive on the left side of the road and the roads are only about a car and a half wide. This can make walking a bit treacherous if you (I) can’t remember to stay on the “wrong” side of the road. The homes here are quite different from those we saw in Samoa. First and foremost they don’t plant the relatives in the front yard. I suspect that is because only the King, members of the Nobility or the government can own land. The yards aren’t much to speak of but that could have something to do with the pigs, chickens and stray dogs (which, by the way, are a Tongan food group) roaming around foraging for food. Also, Tongans aren’t real big on flowers. The only native flowering plant here is Frangipani. There are Hibiscus, Poinsettias and a few others but all were imports and are more prized by the Palangi (white people) than the Tongans.

This country is rife with very unusual customs and restrictions. Some come from the influence of western religions but much goes back way before that. Here are just a few interesting little factoids: The royalty, the nobles and the commoners all speak totally different languages. The members of the royal family and the nobility are somewhat able to communicate but the common people don’t have a clue about what the big wigs are saying.

Rank is very important here and Tongans will avoid speaking to each other until they know which one ranks higher. This is NOT easy to establish. Here are a few of the basics: Members of royalty are the highest rank (this one is pretty straightforward). Nobles are next highest and commoners are lowest (again…makes sense). Men are higher than women…BUT…within a family, sisters are higher than brothers. Relatives on Dad’s side are higher than relatives on Mom’s. Older people are higher than younger. From here it gets very muddy

Tongans have the largest body mass of any other race in the world and they consume 3500-5000 calories per day! No skinny fashion models here.

It is not appropriate for people of the opposite sex to touch each other (hold hands, put arms around each other, etc) in public but it is totally acceptable for people of the same sex to do this.

Tongans do not do anything on Sunday except eat, sleep and go to church.

The clothing restrictions are the most interesting. Women must cover their shoulders and their knees so shorts and tank tops are out. Men are not allowed to go around without a shirt on. Swimsuits are NOT allowed at all (when Tongans swim, they do it fully clothed and usually not in the sun…they do their best to avoid sun). Also, they wear woven mats of all different shapes and sizes and, while they aren’t exactly figure flattering, they are a definite status symbol.

Even though the Tongan people have some unusual traits (and, really, who doesn’t?), they are some of the nicest, happiest, least stressed people I have ever met. I am really enjoying this lovely country and her people…even if I do wish I could wear a swimsuit from time to time!

Note: The photo at the top of this entry is the Governor of Tonga and his wife.