I was "spring cleaning" my pictures off my computer and came across this photo. I love this photo. NOOOO, not because it's of myself, because of the meaning behind it.
I come from a huge family. Well my Samoan side at least. I was the first granddaughter out of more than 40 of us to wear the traditional taupou at my wedding. It was pertinent that I wear this. Marrying a Tongan, I knew that they were going to come FULL FORCE at our wedding, and they did. :) I wanted my wedding to include the fa'a Samoa. My Aunty Tasi and my Grandma Aimit made the traditional wear from the fine Samoan mat and the tapa cloth, and my Aunty Sive made my headpiece, ESPECIALLY for me.
The hair that I am wearing in this photo is real hair. It was hair from a lady that went to live with my great Grandma Kaleve. It has been passed down for years and I was truly honored that I was the first to wear it. I know I'm the family favorite and all. Hahaha. I got to keep everything, but the hair.
I didn't realize how big of a deal it was, until this past weekend, all my family is in town for a week for 2 family weddings and to hear them talk about how proud they were that I wore this Taupou ofu. I love my culture! I love everything about it! I love dancing all the islands, Tahiti would probably be my favorite, next to dancing Samoan. I am grateful that I was raised learning the dance and tradition of the South Pacific. I miss dancing, although people think they're funny asking me to dance at 7 months pregnant. I'm grateful to come from a family that is so talented, we have so much fun dancing, singing and doing luau's and shows. Now, we all get to pass it to the next generation!
11 comments:
Love the picture! I feel you sis there is nothing better then knowing where you come from your background I love it when I see people like yourself embrace the Fa'asamoa way it takes me back to my childhood and being grateful for the Culture that has been instilled into our lives. Proud to be Samoan! Luv ya:)
It is a great pic and having kids of my own that are afa kasi's too, I think it's so important for them to learn the tongan side as much as they can. I welcome the traditions! I think they would really regret not knowing their heritage.
Awww. . . .I love that picture of YOU!! :D Way 2 rep your CULTURE sis!! :D You're AWESOME!!
Way to represent the Samoan culture! LOL.. Love the photo tho! You look Amazing! :)
Very beautiful Kass!! No not the meaning behind it, but you in this pix!! I love it!! I mean being Samoan myself I know how wonderful it is to be part of such a strong and wonderful culture!!!
When people ask you to dance preggo just bust a Beyonce "I don't think you're ready for this jelly!" LOL, that probably doesn't apply to you, but 2 kids later it still applies to me!
You look absolutely beautiful! I love that your costume has a special history to it. And I especially love your passion for your culture, it's great. Don't lose it. You'll touch many lives with your love of your nationality, that those who meet you will love it too.
So beautiful Kassie!!! I love our culture!!!
You are so cute!! That's great that you take so much pride in your culture! :)
You look so darn cute kass, it truly is a beautiful culture.
love this pic kass. what a beautiful post - i love the samoan culture too!
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