An important feature about our Tongan culture is our value of Tauhi vā (keeping our relations close). However as our extended families grow and move further away it does get harder to keep in touch. It is important to take advantage of the times that families do get together to bond and keep those family ties strong. So here is a great game to connect reminisce and laugh and will defintely bring all generations closer by sharing stories.
We gathered for Fathers day and played this last night and there was plenty of laughter and emotional tears at times reminiscing of loved ones not here. And the best part of it all was the younger generation who were glued to their seats listening to all the stories rather than in their rooms on the devices. So when you have a captive audience take advantage of it and tell them all the stories of life in Tonga, explain cultural concepts behind the stories you share.
The saying “sai ke tau ʻilo” is a typical saying you will hear often meaning ʻgood to know’ often said in a somewhat sarcastic way.
GUIDE TO PLAY: SAI KE TAU ʻILO
- Gather the family around.
- You have to share a story that perhaps no one knows or only a few people know of. It can be of your childhood, a memory of your parents, grandparents. Memories of life in Tonga. A story of a current or past life challenge and how you overcame it.
- If a quarter of the family eg 3 people already know the story they will call out “sai ke tau ʻilo” then you must share another story.
- Good for you to start off the game to show the others how it is played.
- Ensure that everyone shares a story big or small. May take a few rounds for the quiet ones to share but thats ok.
- Taimi vaʻinga ē (Time to play!)
Let's learn Tongan 