Why is Mala’e ‘Aloa known as the “place of love”? It’s a rather peculiar name for a cemetery, wouldn’t you say? While Mala’e ‘Aloa serves as the final resting place for many, it’s also where we see the depth of love and respect Tongans have for their ancestors. The story of Mala’e ‘Aloa is deeply intertwined with the devastating 1918 influenza pandemic that swept across Tonga. This wasn’t just any flu; it was the Spanish Flu, a global tragedy that claimed millions of lives. Tonga, sadly, wasn’t spared. Imagine the fear and sorrow that gripped the islands as this invisible enemy took hold. The pandemic brought life to a standstill, with government offices and businesses closed. Even the church bells, usually a comforting sound, fell silent as illness ravaged the population. During this heartbreaking time, Mala’e ‘Aloa became the final resting place for many, including Queen Dowager Takipō. Her death, a tragic loss for the nation, served as a stark reminder of the pandemic’s indiscriminate reach. The name “place of love” takes on a poignant meaning in the face of such widespread loss. It speaks to the enduring love and respect shown to those lost, their memory kept alive in this sacred space.
Mounu. NE end
Slipping beneath the emerald waves off the coast of Nuku’alofa, Mounu. NE end isn’t a place you stroll through. It’s