Lanu Kilikili marks end of royal mourning [1]
Thursday, June 10, 2004 - 15:45. Updated on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 - 16:14.
The 100 nights of mourning held by the King and Queen of Tonga over the loss of their second son the late, Hon Ma'atu came to an end on June 4 when a traditional Lanu Kilikili ceremony was held on his grave at Mala'ekula.
Lauaki, the head of the Nima Tapu or Fale Fa said that the Lanu Kilikili or the washing of the stones signified the end of the mourning period with the island going back to its sweetness.
Held on the 101th night, a day after the 100th night, Lauaki explaind that the Lanu Kilikili ceremony is the putting of the special stones called kilikili on Ma'atu's grave.
Lauaki said that the ceremony involved two processes, the washing of the stones in water, the "Lanu Kilikili", and the mixing of the stones with oil, the "Hifo Kilikili".
The stones take on a shiny black appearance like that of precious stones. Lauaki added that this signified that only things of the highest value are used in paying respect to those of royal descent.
The kilikili stones are arranged carefully on the tomb, the larger stones go on the bottom and the smaller stones are placed on top.
Lauaki said that the Lanu Kilikili ceremony also marks the end of the Nima Tapu's role in Ma'atu's funeral.