Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Today and tomorrow will be very busy in American Samoa as residents gear up for White Sunday, dedicated to our precious children, leading off a 3-day holiday that ends on Monday with Columbus/ Indigenous Peoples Day.

WHITE SUNDAY

Introduced in the islands by Christian missionaries in the 1800s, White Sunday has become a special holiday, with children treated to the best — from White Sunday outfits to food served during family toanai. It is always celebrated on the second Sunday of October and children are treated as kings and queens for their day.

Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata released the following statement for White Sunday:

“I always deeply enjoy the sight of our children on White Sunday, especially viewing this beautiful tradition as a mother and grandmother. On this day, each year, we celebrate the children of our islands, knowing they are a gift to us from the Lord. This is among our most special days, as it is both celebratory and promotes a serious message of responsibility in raising up the next generation.

“We are a people of strong faith, and we rejoice in our youth as they serve the Lord, follow our way, and stay on right paths. We know God will lead them by still waters throughout their lives. This White Sunday, we are reminded of the importance of our Christian commitment, as we trust in God’s eternal blessings on our families and children. Have a wonderful White Sunday!”

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them… Psalm 127:3-4

White Sunday is also celebrated in other parts of the world where Samoan communities are located, such as Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New Zealand.

Traffic today and tomorrow is expected to give many motorists headaches, especially in the areas of the Laufou Shopping Center and downtown Fagatogo. Some shoppers opted to carry out this faithful duty earlier this week so they would not be caught in traffic, but some who have not completed shopping will brace traffic congestion and everyone is praying for good weather.

The government’s payroll fell on this week leading up to White Sunday, so spending should be normal. However, it should also be noted that tax returns have not been released since February of this year so spending may be limited.

As usual, police are beefing up road patrols today and tomorrow because of the expected traffic, and are calling on drivers to watch out for pedestrians, especially young children.

Local stores, bakeries and other merchants are preparing for White Sunday shopping with clothes, food and beverages. Lots of ice cream, in a variety of flavors is available in stores, as well as cakes and pies from local bakeries.

Samoa News staff and management wish all the children of the world a day, such as our White Sunday, filled with special moments of loving-kindness, celebrating our children as gifts of God.

COLUMBUS/ INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S DAY

Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga has declared this coming Monday, Oct 14, 2024 as a government holiday in American Samoa — Columbus/ indigenous People’s Day — where all government offices will be closed, including the territorial banks.

As per usual for federal holidays, only essential employees will be required to perform services on that day and will receive holiday wages in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

According to the governor’s general memorandum, “On this day, let us acknowledge the voyage and landing of the Europeans in the New World, while paying homage to the rich history, culture and traditions of the Native Peoples.

“I encourage you all to take time this weekend to reflect on the collective experiences and stories of all those who have helped to shape American history,” Gov. Lemanu said.

Indigenous People’s Day has been federally recognized as a federal holiday along with Columbus Day — beginning in 2020 — with the Biden Administration proclaiming the second Monday in October a “day in honor of our diverse history and the Indigenous peoples who contribute to shaping this Nation.”

The US post office and all federal and ASG offices will be closed on Monday, with most businesses celebrating the day also — with grocery stores and gas stations usually the only businesses staying open on that day.

Have a safe and happy 3-day weekend American Samoa!