There are numerous traditional holidays that are unique to Polynesia's culture and history. However, because Christmas is one of the most widely observed holidays on the planet, many Polynesian families observe it as well. Christmas, as we know, was introduced by Christian missionaries as they traveled through various Polynesian Islands from the 1700s to the 1800s.

Polynesian Christmas traditions are as diverse as American customs. Gift giving, large family gatherings, Santa Claus, and religious observances are all common in many communities.

This blog will teach you about modern Christmas traditions in the Pacific Islands that are both unique to each family and practiced by the vast majority.

Hawaiian Christmas Traditions

"Christmas is not a traditional Hawaiian celebration," says Terry Panee, Manager of the Center's Hawaii Village. It arrived after the missionaries and Christianity arrived in Hawaii. It has become a local holiday on the islands. Christmas is an important part of who we are today. Because Hawaii is a multicultural society, many cultural aspects are incorporated into the celebrations.

Food is always a part of any celebration with family and friends. On a Christmas table, we have foods from Hawaii, Japan, China, the Philippines, Polynesia, and the United States. We enjoy eating anything delicious, whether we are of that culture or not. Hawaiian food is a New Year's Eve tradition in my family. We usually eat steaks, lobsters, crab, and shrimp at Christmas. Serve with the remaining sides, such as noodles, sushi, and raw fish.

It was very typical to decorate with lights and to go see other people's Christmas lights. I remembered a place down in Kahaluu called "Christmas Lane" that used to get a lot of people driving by throughout the month of December to see the beautiful lights and decorations. Some of the families would have treats and cookies to give out in the final week before Christmas. One house would have a Santa Claus in the driveway for all the children to wave and take pictures with. Every year was something special because there was a competition among the residents of that cul-de-sac. We used to go there when I was younger, and I later took my children to see it and take pictures. During the Christmas season, we would frequently return. Unfortunately, some of the residents have moved, and they no longer have competition, but many people continue to decorate their homes.

And now that there is a lot more of this going on in various areas, everyone is looking forward to going wherever there are Christmas displays. There is a Christmas trolley that takes you through Honolulu, where you can see all the lights and listen to the music before arriving at Honolulu Hale (Honolulu City Hall), which is decorated for the holiday season.

It's a family vacation. It's always about paying visits to family and friends. Depending on the family, Christmas celebrations can be quite loud. Some families, however, are less audible than others. We usually get together for dinner. You'll frequently eat at multiple locations, such as your in-laws' or siblings'. You've been eating all day! Some may divide it and say, "Christmas Eve and Christmas Day will be here."

Terry reflected on his time at Brigham Young University-Hawaii, saying, "I always took home a bunch of friends who weren't from Hawaii or weren't going home to the outer islands." They'd come over and stay for a day or two, or three, depending on when Christmas was over. Because it's family time, our house was packed with friends, distant relatives, and everyone else, all celebrating together. Even if they are not at home with their families, they can celebrate with us. They are a member of our family. We are constantly including others. Everyone requires a place to stay for the holidays.

Terry continues, "In Hawaiian, we have a term called hanai." Some people believe that hanai refers to adopting a hanai child, hanai brother or sister. Although not legally adopted, hanai in Hawaiian means "to feed." When you hanai someone, you accept responsibility for their overall well-being. Not only by providing food, but also by ensuring their well-being, including shelter if necessary."

Aotearoa Christmas Traditions

According to Kim Makekau, manager of the Aotearoa Village, the three primary aspects of Christmas in New Zealand are unity, love, and family.

"New Zealand Christmases are similar in their practices to any other Christian nation," he continues. Christmas in New Zealand is in the summer. Families go on vacation during the summer. They will either congregate at the beach or go to the marae to see their other families. They celebrate by exchanging gifts, lighting a Christmas tree, and singing carols. Again, not everyone observes these traditions, but the vast majority do.

Christmas in New Zealand is hot rather than cold. Contrary to popular belief, the concept of Santa Claus, snow, and reindeer does not connect. However, the stories are known because Westerners who settled in taught them.

Christmas Eve can be marked by feasting and eating. It could also be marked with gift-giving and gift-opening. Some people open their gifts the night before, while others wait until Christmas morning. Typically, the emphasis is on the children. When Christmas is celebrated on the marae, it is usually a family reunion, a big event, and people can just be together."

Fijian Christmas Traditions

According to Saimoni Naivalu, Fiji Village Cultural Ambassador, the Christmas themes for the islands of Fiji are getting together, visiting family, and eating a lot.

"It's all about family." Because many Fijians live and work in the city, everyone will travel to their respective islands to spend Christmas with their families. We also visit relatives we haven't seen in a long time during the Christmas season.

Fiji is a predominantly Christian country. The people of the village gather for prayers on Christmas Eve and morning to express their gratitude and remember the birth of Christ. They frequently perform a reenactment of Jesus' birth.

Fijians enjoy wearing new clothes during Christmas because it represents a celebration of new beginnings. Families frequently dress in matching outfits.

Lovo (a Fijian earth oven) is the primary method of meal preparation for the entire family. Taro, fish, and pork are among the staples prepared into the lovo. Kava, a root drink, is also available."

Samoan Christmas Traditions

Christmas is a time for Samoans to reconnect with their families, express gratitude, share delicious meals, and spend time with their loved ones.

Creasepaul Tofa, our Samoa Village Senior Cultural Ambassador, explains that on Christmas, a father gives gifts to his children. "The gifts must be useful. For example, the son may be given a chainsaw or machete to help work the land, while the daughter may be given money to spend on valuable items.

On Christmas Eve, the villagers gather at the chapel for prayer. Following the prayer, families return to their homes for tea time. For the 'Christmas Eve Tea,' my family prepares koko samoa, bread (falaoa), and biscuits (masi) with plenty of butter.

Food is very important in our culture. On Christmas Day, umu, a traditional Samoan ground oven, is the primary cooking (method) used to feed the entire family. Taro, breadfruit, banana, luau, pig, and fish are always available in the umu, along with other delectable Samoan fare.

On Christmas Day, after a large family lunch (to'ana'i), it's time for fun and games (traditional games may include Samoan kirikiti (cricket), lape, and modern games may include rugby and volleyball."

Tahitian Christmas Traditions

On the Tahiti islands, Christmas is a quiet family celebration. There are no parties or dancing, only conversation and eating. On Christmas Eve, families gather in their homes to pray.

Tahiti Village Manager Heitiare Panee recalls her family celebrating Christmas in this manner. "My family has a Christmas tradition of stuffing your shoes with goodies." It's a French-influenced custom. Growing up, my siblings and I looked forward to this Christmas morning tradition.

We raced out of bed in the morning to stuff our shoes with goodies and place them next to the Christmas tree. The amusing aspect is that the larger your shoes are, the more goodies you'll receive.

During the Christmas season, families gather to enjoy the finest meals available. There is a mix of Tahitian and French cuisine available. In contrast to the American Thanksgiving, smoked turkey is served for Christmas dinner in Tahiti. Foie gras and oysters are traditional Christmas fare. This is the only day you'll eat an abundance of them.

Tongan Christmas Traditions

Vahamamao Lauhingoa, who worked as Cultural Advisors in the Tonga Village for 15 months with her late husband Apolosi, shared two of her favorite traditions.

"Tongans have a strong affinity for family hierarchy." Their oldest sister is expected to be the family's leader. They are both responsible for their family's needs and are expected to be highly respected for their position. On Christmas Eve, family members will pay a visit to the sister to give her gifts and thank her for her service to the family.

Tongans are known for their beautiful singing and musical performances. Bands can be found in many communities. On Christmas Eve, local choirs and musicians will perform familiar hymns and Christmas songs throughout the village."

Conclusion

As you can see, Christmas in Polynesia is centered on the traditional themes of birth, renewal, family, and food. We wish you many happy memories and a prosperous New Year, however you choose to celebrate this joyous season.

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