More than
material BYUH students share the meaning and significance behind their culture’s traditional clothing BY LAUREN GOODWIN
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YU–Hawaii students said the traditional clothing and accessories from their home countries reflect a piece of who they are and where they are from. They shared wearing their favorite pieces makes them feel proud of their culture, motivating them to share who they are with others.
Tongan kiekie and ta’ovala Lesieli Noema, a sophomore from Tonga majoring in accounting and computer science, said growing up in Tonga, she was taught to have a strong sense of respect for her culture and those around her. Noema said wearing humble clothing is a key part of her personality and is a way to show respect. Noema said girls in Tonga usually wear a kiekie, which looks similar to a belt and is made from plants, like the hibiscus tree bark or mulberry tree bark. The kiekie is worn at
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formal gatherings or church meetings. She explained women wear these as a sign of respect to those around and for the occasion. People who work for the government must wear them as well, she added. Joshua Cocker, a senior from Tonga majoring in communications, said wearing the clothing of his culture defines his identity, status and history. He explained Tongan clothes are traditionally made from plants usually woven or knitted into a sash or mat. Cocker said a ta’ovala is one of the most important pieces of traditional clothing and is worn by Tongan men. Cocker said wearing ta’ovala is a sign of respect, so they wear it for special occasions. He explained the bigger the ta’ovala, the higher the status of the person in society. At funerals, bigger ta’ovala represents a close relation to the deceased person.
Mongolian deel Davaasuren Myagmarjav, a junior from Mongolia majoring in accounting, said Mongolian traditional clothes reflect their history of nomadic lifestyle. She explained Mongolian clothes can be worn all day long and are designed to be comfortable because they have to labor and move a lot, such as when riding a horse. She clarified that nowadays, urban Mongolians wear modern clothing, but the countryside
herders still keep to the nomadic lifestyle and wear traditional clothes. Serena Dugar Ioane, a Winter 2020 alumna who majored in communications, said the most significant piece of Mongolian traditional clothing is deel, which looks like a long dress with sleeves and a collar.
