This Sunday is all about the children.
White Sunday, whose history dates back to the early missionaries who converted Samoans to Christianity, is now celebrated not just in the two Samoa but everywhere where Samoans congregate.
Its White Sunday because that s what the children will wear from head to toes. It’s also known as Lotu Tamaiti or Children’s Worship.
Some churches began their preparations for White Sunday three weeks ago and this Sunday is show time.
The children, dressed in their Sunday best, will sing hymns, recite Bible verses and act out Biblical stories, or ones that they create themselves.
After church they will sit down to one of the best meals they’ll have, fully laden with all their favorites.
And its the children who will be the guests of honor while their parents and adults will serve them, a reverse of the traditional routine where children wait on their parents and eat after them.
Then before the children have digested that big meal its time for the main performances of songs, skits and plays sometimes lasting into the early evening.
Luckily the Monday following White Sunday is the Columbus Day holiday because there will be a lot of tired children and parents.
Happy white Sunday to all the children.
