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Hatana is considered the most ha'a (sacred) site in all of Rotuma (much like Mauna Kea is for Hawai'i).
It is believed to be the home & resting place of Raho, the great ancestor, a chief from Samoa who created/founded Rotuma.
[thread]
![Hatana is considered the most ha'a (sacred) site in all of Rotuma (much like Mauna Kea is for Hawai'i). It is believed to be the home & resting place of Raho, the great ancestor, a chief from Samoa who created/founded Rotuma.[thread]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EX4qg1kXYAAjQGE.png "Hatana is considered the most ha'a (sacred) site in all of Rotuma (much like Mauna Kea is for Hawai'i). It is believed to be the home & resting place of Raho, the great ancestor, a chief from Samoa who created/founded Rotuma.[thread]")
It is believed to be the home & resting place of Raho, the great ancestor, a chief from Samoa who created/founded Rotuma.
[thread]
Raho put up a young coconut frond as a fapui (sign) to claim Rotuma as his own.
But a Tongan chief named Tokaniua tricked Raho and put up a dried coconut frond. He then claimed that his fapui was put up first, and that Rotuma should belong to him.
In his rage, Raho began to
But a Tongan chief named Tokaniua tricked Raho and put up a dried coconut frond. He then claimed that his fapui was put up first, and that Rotuma should belong to him.
In his rage, Raho began to
destroy Rotuma. He struck the earth with his digging stick which formed the crater Mamfiro, and the earth flying out of the pit landed in the sea and formed Uea (left), Hatana, and Hạfliua (The Split Island).
Raho then went to live on Hatana, with an entourage of attendants...
Raho then went to live on Hatana, with an entourage of attendants...
among whom were 27 sa'sina (maidens).
On Hatana, there is a mound marking Raho's burial site.
There are also 2 boulders, marking the burial place of the Sạu he Rua (Two Kings) - Tuimanuka and Famạfu.
Around these stand 27 smaller rocks, symbolizing the 27 maidens, whose...
On Hatana, there is a mound marking Raho's burial site.
There are also 2 boulders, marking the burial place of the Sạu he Rua (Two Kings) - Tuimanuka and Famạfu.
Around these stand 27 smaller rocks, symbolizing the 27 maidens, whose...
death was mandated upon Raho's death.
There is also an 'umefe - like an altar - where visitors would lay offerings of coins, perfume, and other gifts to these ancestors in exchange for safe passage back home.
There is also an 'umefe - like an altar - where visitors would lay offerings of coins, perfume, and other gifts to these ancestors in exchange for safe passage back home.
Because Hatana is sacred, special permission must be obtained from the traditional custodians of the island before visiting, and visitors must be accompanied by someone from that clan
On Hatana, it is forbidden to make noise, poop/pee on the island, or
On Hatana, it is forbidden to make noise, poop/pee on the island, or
disrespect the ancestral burial grounds in anyway.
If these taboos are broken, the seas get rough and huge waves prevent visitors from leaving the island.
There are written accounts of this actually happening, and a special chant must be said at the sacred site as an apology.
If these taboos are broken, the seas get rough and huge waves prevent visitors from leaving the island.
There are written accounts of this actually happening, and a special chant must be said at the sacred site as an apology.
My grandpa never allowed us to visit Hatana. He emphasized how sacred it was, and said that he didn't trust me & my cousins to stay out of trouble there LMAO
*This thread is based off of what I remember from my elders, but I welcome any corrections/additions.
HAPPY ROTUMA DAY!
HAPPY ROTUMA DAY!
