The keeping of a Samoan Flower
Is of great importance to girls of every status
A flower touched by many is degraded
Usually ruptured in public
To make the use of chicken blood impossible
The keeping of a Tongan Flower
Is of great value, and if touched before nuptials
One is disregarded and disgraced
Checked by the aunties for a sweet smelling heavy flow
To make the infliction of cuts impossible
The keeping of a Fijian Flower
Is of great importance, determined by a baked pig
A hole in the pig’s rum results in the exchanging of bitter words and ends celebrations
But no signs of holes in the pig’s rum
Results in a 4 day celebration
What is the importance of keeping the flower?
Does it give you a greater status as a woman?
Does it guarantee eternal love?
Does it stop the abuse and beatings?
Does it guarantee true happiness?
Why is this?
It does not make me a greater woman.
It does not make me a greater person.
It just restricts me from loving the way I should
It just restricts me from being who I am
Is there a DIFFERENCE?
Composed by ‘Akanesi ‘Emeline Katoa – a law graduate currently working at the Crown Law Office in Tonga.
