'Ofa
“'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.
— Traditional Tonga Wisdom, Tonga
Source: Traditional Tongan cultural value, documented in Tongan ethnographic scholarship (e.g. Kavaliku 1977; Futa Helu)
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.
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.
Fatongia — duty fulfilled is respect given.
A sense of duty and obligation to family, chief, church, and country; fulfilling one's fatongia is central to Tongan identity.