It was a title bestowal that was bittersweet as the last time I was on this particular land was with my late father, and the first time I was with him to witness his Fasavalu title on the same fanua.
I've been really encouraged as many people knew of him and his passing, and knowing that I was attending spoke to me about his peaceful and caring ways and his humility and knowledge. He had a confident and organised way of bringing families together in a special manner.
I think his leadership is missed a lot as he was quite pivotal in ensuring that at our last Auckland Reunion in 2018, we, as the Auckland hosts, did things in such a way that our visitors from overseas did not have to worry about a thing.
The title bestowal was also interesting in that the village has now allowed women to receive titles as during the years of my father as paramount chief or sa'o; however, he sanctioned women to receive titles; the village men were against it, but it has been good to see the change in consideration.
This has been a very interesting development, but for my own reasons of looking after the villages that my father lived at, I decided not to add to my name as with such things, there are expectations (by the village), obligations and responsibilities that I'm unable to commit too at this present time.
Another interesting person who attended the ceremony and added to the blessing of the title bestowals was the Head of State of Samoa, his Highness Tuimaleali'ifano Va'aleto'a Sualauvi II. It was interesting to see him there with other ministers who blessed the event.
Now it's time to relax with all of the Ah Siu Reunion 2024 in Samoa events completed. I thank God that everything went well and that we can now relax and enjoy Christmas in Samoa with the New Year of 2025 just around the corner...
No comments:
Post a Comment