A coconut Christmas tree

By Diedre Fanene 18 December 2015, 12:00AM

While most people are rushing to the shops to buy a Christmas tree, the Catholic Cathedral at Mulivai has opted for something different, something uniquely Samoan.

The Cathedral, one of the most visited places on Beach Road, has commissioned Jackie Ropati to create Samoa’s very first Christmas tree made from coconut fronds. 

And the end product is a masterpiece. 

Yesterday, tourists flocked to the place to snap photos of the tree.

Mr. Ropati said it took him three days to weave it together.

“I work at St. Therese at Leauva’a and I decided to make a Christmas tree that’s made out of coconut fronds so that nobody will be able to spent money on it,” he said.

“I love creating new things. 

“I love to make bouquets of flowers and I especially love to be creative.

“So I made that tree and then the committee of the Cathedral came around and saw it and they asked me if I could make another one.

Deputy Chairman of the Cathedral’s Committee, Mulipola Tiufea, said the tree has proven very popular with locals and visitors alike.

 “Instead of spending money to buy expensive Christmas trees, we decided to have this tree created for us,” he said.

“This tree is made of coconut fronds. It’s local and it’s environmentally friendly.”

By Diedre Fanene 18 December 2015, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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