White Sunday highlights 3-day weekend filled with activities

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Today will be very busy for American Samoa as residents gear up for White Sunday, dedicated to our precious children, leading off a 3-day holiday weekend that ends on Monday with Columbus/ Indigenous Peoples Day.

WHITE SUNDAY

Introduced in the islands by Christian missionaries in the 1800s, White Sunday has became a special holiday, with children being treated to the best — from White Sunday outfits to being served first during family toanai. It is always celebrated on the second Sunday of October and children are treated as kings and queens for their day.

White Sunday is also celebrated in other parts of the world where Samoan communities are located, such as Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New Zealand, and Australia.

Yesterday and today should also be the day government paychecks are transferred and received into accounts just in time for White Sunday spending — so traffic should be particularly bracing. It’s expected to give many motorists headaches, especially in the areas of the Laufou Shopping Center and downtown Fagatogo.

 And everyone is praying for continued good weather.

Police are beefing up road patrols because of the expected traffic, and are calling on drivers to watch out for pedestrians, especially young children.

Local stores, bakeries and other merchants are prepared for White Sunday shopping with clothes, food and beverages. Lots of ice cream, in a variety of flavors is available in stores, as well as cakes and pies from local bakeries.

Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata sent her best wishes to the people of American Samoa for a beautiful White Sunday.

“White Sunday is a beautiful reminder of the importance of our faith and Christian commitment. On this day we will celebrate with the children of our islands, knowing they are a gift to us from the Lord. Most of all, we take part in worship and praise, and seek God’s blessings on our families and children. Have a wonderful White Sunday!”

Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga reminded “It is a time for families to unite, reaffirm their faith, uphold their values, and strengthen their commitment to one another. White Sunday serves as a powerful reminder of our duty to nurture and guide the future leaders of American Samoa with love, care, and wisdom.”

Both the governor and Amata have further White Sunday messages in their ads online here at the website and also on our Facebook page.

Samoa News staff and management wish all the children of the world a day, such as our White Sunday, filled with special moments of loving-kindness, celebrating our children as gifts of God and keeping them out of harm’s way.

PALOLO RISING … POSSIBLY

The Samoa Meteorology Office is announcing that palolo will be rising in the Samoa islands — Oct 6 and Oct 7 — for the annual catch just in time for White Sunday. They say the worm (Eunice viridis) will begin to rise (from the coral) at 7 a.m.

It’s unknown if American Samoa is part of the announcement, meaning Tutuila and the Manu’a islands will probably visit on both days hoping to catch the well-known Samoan delicacy — called the ‘caviar of the Pasifika’. 

In the meantime, let’s hope greed does not once more become part of the palolo culture — with many of those who catch it charging sometimes up to $ 50 for a ‘fist’ size. Like the ‘akule’ run, it is meant to be shared with all — enjoying God’s gift to us through nature’s bounty.

COLUMBUS/ INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S DAY

Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga has declared this coming Monday, Oct 9, 2023 as a government holiday in American Samoa — Columbus/ indigenous People’s Day — where all government offices will be closed, including the territorial banks.

As per usual for federal holidays, only essential employees will be required to perform services on that day and will receive holiday wages in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

According to the governor’s general memorandum, “On this day, let us acknowledge the voyage and landing of the Europeans in the New World, while paying homage to the rich history, culture and traditions of the Native Peoples.

“I encourage you all to take time this weekend to reflect on the collective experiences and stories of all those who have helped to shape American history,” Gov. Lemanu concludes.

Indigenous People’s Day has been federally recognized as a federal holiday three years in a row now — beginning in 2020 — with the Biden Administration proclaiming the second Monday in October a “day in honor of our diverse history and the Indigenous peoples who contribute to shaping this Nation.” It is celebrated alongside Columbus Day, which is still a federal holiday as well.

The US post office and all federal and ASG offices will be closed on Monday, commemorating Columbus/ indigenous People’s Day. Most businesses will celebrate the day also, either closing for the day or working on a half-day schedule — with grocery stores and gas stations usually the only businesses staying open per usual hours.

Have happy 3-day weekend American Samoa! Be safe — buckle up and don’t drink & drive, let’s celebrate life.