The Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S.) at Tafitoala Safata honoured the memory of ancestor mothers and mothers who have passed on when the congregation paused to celebrate Mother's Day. 

While most Samoans were preparing for church on early Sunday morning, a group of C.C.C.S. members from Tafitoala distributed 40 bouquets and leis to the graves of mothers who have passed away and buried within the village.

Church member, Poulima Moeai, said it took them two days to make the bouquets of fresh flowers gathered from around the village.

“Some of the church members including myself usually decorate our church on Saturdays,” she said.

The 27-year-old added that this year, their group decided to do something different.

“We decided to pay respect to all mothers in our church and village who have passed away by laying a bouquet of flowers and putting lei of candy on their graves.

“For the candy leis we all contributed in getting the materials to create them.”

She added that the significance to them is that, “if we love our mothers and shower them with gifts, we want to honour the mothers from the past that paved way for all of us here today.”

“Our ancestors are the reason why we the future generations have survived and they play a key role in our lives. 

“And all mothers are treasured by all the families, they are in our memories and we will honour them despite not being here with us anymore.”

She also stated that their act of kindness was also an example to encourage our other village youths.

“We wanted to show our youths that instead of drinking and doing bad habits they should join us in doing good things for others without getting a reward because God blesses those that help.

"After distributing our flowers we will attend church service that will honour the mothers of our church."