Ala 'i Sia, Ala 'i Kolonga
“Skillful at Sia, skillful at Kolonga.”
Named for the pigeon-snaring mound (Sia) and the cooking ground (Kolonga), this proverb honors those able to master more than one skill or context — today applied to living skillfully in both Tongan and adopted cultures at once.
— Traditional Tonga Wisdom, Tonga
Source: Traditional Tongan proverb, discussed by Tēvita O. Ka'ili in HuffPost, "Ala 'i Sia, Ala 'i Kolonga: An Indigenous Tongan Proverb for Contemporary Pacific Islanders"
More Proverbs from Tonga
God and Tonga are my inheritance.
Tonga's national motto, affirming that religious faith and the homeland together form the nation's enduring inheritance.
'Ofa binds the family and carries the nation.
'Ofa — love, compassion, and generosity — is regarded as Tonga's foundational social value, expressed through giving, caring for elders, and communal obligation.
Tauhi vā — tend the space between people.
The practice of nurturing and maintaining harmonious relationships and social space (vā) between individuals, families, and generations; a central concept in Tongan social philosophy.
Faka'apa'apa — respect is owed to all, and returned by all.
Mutual respect, especially toward elders and chiefs, is a core pillar of Tongan social conduct.
Fetokoni'aki — what one carries, all may help to carry.
Mutual help and cooperation; the expectation that community members assist one another, especially in times of need.
Mamahi'i me'a — loyalty is proven in devotion to what matters.
Deep loyalty and passionate commitment to one's family, community, church, or cause.