S01 EP08
Topic: "What are the roles of the fahu,and why do some fahu take advantage of it in a negative way"
Within the Tongan culture, the role of your Aunties vary depending on which side of the family they are from.
You fathers sisters are called your mehikitanga, and usually the eldest sister is the fahu, and she is the matriarch of the family. The fahu is most respected and praised within the Tongan culture, but it is very unfortunate that some negativily take advantage of their role and mistreat their family members.
According to our very own opinion the following role of the fahu is considered below:
She is the Matriach of the family.
The fahu usually sits at the front table of a wedding and birthday, they're considered VIP and are given money, gifts and cakes or whatever the family has planned but at these occasions she is highly recognized and uplifted, At a funeral the fahu, will sit by the head of the deceased and will also receive gifts and usually provided meals separate from the others and after the funeral, she cuts the hair of those she is entitled to - hair represents wealth in Tonga so when it is being cut its part of the traditional grieving process within the culture