Celebrating the Children of Samoa on White Sunday (Lotu Tamaiti)

Every year Samoans celebrate White Sunday, referred to locally as Lotu Tamaiti. Here’s everything you need to know about this annual Samoan celebration.

When is White Sunday in Samoa?

Samoans celebrate White Sunday, also known locally as Lotu Tamaiti, on the second Sunday of every year. 2024’s celebrations will take place on Sunday, October 13th. A public holiday then takes place on Monday, October 14th. This day is referred to as White Monday.

What is the tradition of White Sunday?

White Sunday is an annual celebration held primarily in Samoa, also celebrated across other Pacific Islands and by Samoan diasporas worldwide. The celebration is closely linked to religion, specifically Christianity, and celebrates children and their role in church and family.

As part of White Sunday traditions, children, and sometimes parents, will wear white during religious service, symbolizing purity and innocence and giving the day's name.

Children look forward to White Sunday as they are often excused from chores and may even get to enjoy treatment often reserved for elders, including being served first at mealtime. It’s typical for children to receive small gifts such as sweets or educational materials.

If you are abroad with little brothers and sisters or nieces and nephews in Samoa, you could also send them a mobile top-up to celebrate White Sunday.

How is White Sunday Celebrated?

Beyond the religious service, wearing white, gift-giving, and celebrating children, food plays a significant role in the White Sunday celebrations. The family meal that takes place is generally accepted to be the biggest meal of the year.

A wide range of mains and side dishes are prepared to be shared with family.

Palusami, also known as luau, is a dish made from taro leaves filled with coconut cream, onions, and sometimes meats such as corned beef or fish, then wrapped and baked or steamed. This is often found on the table of a White Sunday meal, alongside oka l’a, taro, umu-cooked meats, and lots more.

In the lead-up to White Sunday, ahead of such a large meal, demand for groceries grows greatly. Many supermarkets will host special White Sunday sales. You can help your family back home in Samoa prepare for the celebrations by sending them a grocery eGift, redeemable at supermarkets like Frankie Samoa.

With children at the core of White Sunday celebrations, they often prepare weeks in advance to perform skits, plays, and dances during the church service. These performances usually reflect biblical stories or moral teachings and are a way for children to showcase their talents and faith.

White Sunday is a beautiful celebration of both the Samoan family and community. We at Ding hope you and yours enjoy the festivities this year wherever you are in the world.

Credit: Featured image courtesy of Michael Colgan.