| White Sunday | |
|---|---|
| Observed by | Samoa and Tonga and Niue |
| Date | Second Sunday in October |
| 2023 date | October 8 |
| 2024 date | October 13 |
| 2025 date | October 12 |
| 2026 date | October 11 |
| Frequency | annual |
White Sunday, (in the Samoan language Lotu Tamaiti, literally "Children's Service"), is a national holiday in Samoa falling on the second Sunday of October, with the Monday following a public holiday. It is also celebrated in American Samoa, Tokelau and Tonga.[1]
The day is for parents and communities to acknowledge and celebrate childhood by hosting special programs during church services which include scriptural recitations, biblical story reenactments, and creative dance performances. Children receive gifts (often new clothing and/or school supplies) on White Sunday and are allowed privileges normally reserved for elders, such as being the first to be served food at family meal time.