06/03/2026
In 1995, I was blessed to sit at my husband, Muagututi’a Le'apai Ryan T Anoa'i side back home at Paepaefoa, as Suluape Petelo spent a week gracing him with the blessing of Samoa’s green silk.
Truth be told, I was probably more of a distraction than a source of comfort as he endured the long hours of this sacred ritual. So instead, I focused on caring for him bathing him, tending gently to the markings that began to form upon his body and supporting him through prayer 🙏🏽.
With our boys, Muliagatele Pine Auimatagi and my Anthony, my Niva Girl Hoody Anoa'i and Hamilton Anoa'i growing in my tummy, we spent our mornings before the sun rose and our evenings before it set at the Ripley family beach in Utumea 🏝️, allowing the ocean’s 🌊 healing touch to soothe his skin.
Being born and raised in San Francisco, my understanding of this process was limited to the stories shared by my mother and the experiences of her father. To witness it firsthand was something entirely different.
What left the deepest impression on me was watching complete strangers become family. Driving over from across the island 🌴 Day after day and often well into the evening, fellow pe‘a would gather singing, sitting through the process, sharing stories, bringing food, encouragement and strength to help carry him through the long days.
It was an emotional experience for me. Those bonds remain to this day, connecting us to the Aiga Malofie and expanding not only our village, but our aiga.
These unforgettable memories were a profound experience for a young wife trying to grasp the sanctity of this sacred tradition. They deepened my appreciation for who we are as Samoan people and filled me with pride.
Today, I am especially grateful to witness my children uphold and honor this beautiful tradition.
Grateful for it all. And I pray that our Tufugas and those who wear the pe‘a and malu continue to honor them with humility, pride and respect, recognizing them as sacred rites of passage that connect us to our ancestors, our culture and our Samoan 🇦🇸🇼🇸 heritage.
“The pe‘a is worn on the body, but its true markings are carried in the heart, the service and the responsibility it represents.”
