Emancipation public holiday observed on Monday, 7 June [1]
Sunday, June 6, 2021 - 20:57
A public holiday will be observed on Monday, June 7, to commemorate Emancipation Day, when Tonga’s first Christian King, Siaosi Tupou I officially abolished serfdom in Tonga in 1862.
Although Emancipation Day is marked today, June 4, the observation day was moved in accordance with Tonga’s Public Holiday Act, which states if the day falls on a Thursday or Friday, it will be celebrated the following Monday.
Emancipation Day represents a turning point in Tongan history as commoners were freed from the virtual ownership of chiefs, 159-years ago.
King Tupou I declared the abolition of serfdom as part of his 1862 Code of Laws, with his official emancipation edict in the 1862 Code of Laws:
“All chiefs and people are to all intents and purposes set at liberty from serfdom, and all vassalage, from the institution of this law; and it shall not be lawful for any chief or person, to seize, or take by force, or beg authoritatively, in Tonga fashion, anything from anyone.”
King Tupou I is credited with bringing Christianity to Tonga as well as establishing Tonga’s first constitution and parliament.