Patchwork Designs > HISTORICALLY SPEAKING TONGA PATCH PROGRAM

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING TONGA PATCH PROGRAM
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1. Tonga is located in the South Pacific Ocean along with 176 other islands scattered along the pacific ocean. Tonga has become to be known as the Friendly Islands because (according to legend) when Captain Cook came to the islands, he was amazed by the friendly people. Tonga means “South” and is given this name because it is the southern most island in the group of Central Polynesian Islands.

2. The official language of Tonga is the Tongan language and English. Tongan is a Polynesian language and is very similar to Hawaiian, Maori, Samoan, and Tahitian. Choose a language to learn how to speak a phrase or some words.

3. Tongan cuisine is based mainly on native grown food such as taro, yams, bananas, and fish. A relatively new food in Tonga is flour and sugar. “Doughboys” (topai) is a dish that uses both and is served with syrup and coconut milk. Topai is a popular dish because it is easily prepared, and is served at events with large amounts of people such as funerals. Most cooking is done daily by women, in pots and pans over fires in small villages. However, Tongan cuisine is mostly westernized by now, and is very similar to what we drink and eat. Try some foods from Tahiti or make your own recipe from traditional Tahiti recipes.

4. Most Tongan holidays are based on Christian holidays because the country is predominantly Christian ever since the leader Taufa’ahou became a Christian in 1845 and united the islands into one nation. He became King George Tupou I. Tongans also celebrate non secular holidays such as New Years Day and Anzac Day. Holidays that are unique to Tonga are Emancipation Day, Crown Prince’s Day and National Tonga Day. Tonga also has many unique festivals. The Heilala Festival, Vava’u festival, Ha’apai Festival and the ‘Eua Tourism Festival. All of these festivals show a unique side to the Tongan culture. Visit a cultural celebration or re-creation of a holiday event OR learn the background of the celebrated holiday or festival. You may also create a drawing or art project, or prepare a food.

5. Dance in Tonga is very different from its other Polynesian counterparts. Tonga's traditional dances include the Me’etu’upaki, ‘Otuhaka, Ma’ulu’ulu, Ula, Tau’olunga, Kailao and Soke, and most famous is the Lakalaka. The Lakalaka tells stories of Tongan history and legends. It is preformed by both men and women, sometimes in groups of over 100. The dance is very intricate and has many delicate and complex movements. Dancers wear beautiful costumes of jewelry and colorful clothing. They wear a headpiece that accentuates their movements, this is a very important aspect to the dance. Watch a dance or learn more information about a dance and try your own moves.

6. Legends and myths in Tonga are similar to all Polynesian mythology. Stories were passed down orally from the ancient times and were eventually written down. Traditionally, Polynesian mythology consisted of ancient tales and heroic stories of the Polynesian Gods. Read a story, legend, OR listen to a legend or play.

7. Tonga is an Island in the Southern Pacific Ocean and is part of a group of islands known as French Polynesia. It is made up of 176 islands– 36 of which are inhabited– and is divided into three main groups: Vava’u, Ha’apai, and Tongatapu. Tongatapu is the largest island and is where the capital is located. The climate of Tonga is subtropical and has a distinct heat period and distinct cold period. Complete a beach activity OR learn about [3] marine life animals OR Learn about Volcanoes.

8. Tonga is a great place for souvenirs because they are so unique and special to the culture. The two most important handicrafts of Tonga include mat weaving and tapa making. Tapa cloth is of great cultural significance to Tonga. It is made directly from the bark of the mulberry tree. Women gather together and make this cloth all day and assist one another in making this unique type of cloth. Mat weaving is also very important to the culture of Tonga because women gather together and make these cloths that are to be presented at special occasions. Create a craft or project using a traditional a skill OR representing Tonga, OR observe someone creating a handicraft OR view them on the internet or books.

9. Tonga is the only Monarchy left in the Southern Pacific. Still today, the royalty line is passed down from father to son in what is known as a patrillineal mode of succession. Today’s monarchy is very influential to the society and culture of Tonga as they have started to enforce democratic ideals into the government. Find out who the present king is of Tonga. Where do they live? For extra, view photos on line of the king or last ceremony.

10. Clothing in Tonga is very conservative. Both men and women have to cover their knees and elbows, women wear skirts or pants that cover their knees and mens shorts almost always come over the knees. Tongans usually swim fully clothed, and find it strange that foreigners wear bathing suits. The Ta’ ovala is the traditional woven mat worn by Tongans as formal wear, much like a westerner wears a suit and tie. The Kiekie is worn by women as a skirt, and is also formal wear for women who plan to go on a formal outing. Both of these are traditionally made from the pandanus tree. Traditional dance clothing is very colorful and heavily decorated with beads and other jewelry. Draw a picture of the clothing, dress up in a Tongan themed costumes, create an accessory, complete our paper dolls OR view traditional clothing through books or the internet or our country manual.

11. There are a variety of games played by children in Tonga. Learn a traditional game OR play a game that symbolizes Tonga OR play a water game OR play a game in our manual.