BYUH students share the fashion trends for Sundays in their home countries
Around the world, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints attend their church meetings every Sunday to remember their Savior. BYU–Hawaii students from different countries shared how the different types of clothing they wear to church have different cultural meanings. They added how the unique parts of their Sunday clothes enhance their worship experience and are reminders of their family and community.
Colors at church
Tina Chi, a senior majoring in TESOL from Hong Kong, offered insights into the vibrant fashions from her homeland. Chi explained how colors serve as symbols representing distinct groups within her community. She said the younger generation predominantly opts for understated hues, particularly favoring white attire.
Waga Bobu, a junior majoring in applied mathematics from Kiribati, said her country’s church fashion customs emphasize a particular color code. Bobu said the color white holds significance when it comes to church attire, symbolizing purity and cleanliness in Kiribati. She said, “White represents a lot of qualities, and I take joy in dressing in white for church.”
Accessories and identity
Chi said different stages of life affect people’s clothing choices at church. “Adolescence marks the period when individuals are first introduced to the world of fashion, allowing them to experiment and discover their unique personal styles,” she said. In contrast, she said young adults are drawn to the allure of floral patterns and dresses, reflecting a stage in life when they are actively seeking romantic partners and aiming to make a lasting impression. Meanwhile, the more mature members of the congregation prefer formal and professional attire when attending church, Chi said, signifying a sense of maturity and groundedness.
Nelson Tonga, a sophomore majoring in information technology from Tonga, shared the distinctive expectations shaping church attire in his homeland. Tonga said the norm for men in Tonga is to wear white shirts when attending church services. However, he explained the unique character of Tongan church fashion extends beyond color choices.
He said men traditionally wear the tupenu, a form of a men’s skirt, adorned with the ta’ovala cinched around their waist. The ta’ovala is an emblem of Tongan culture serving as a profound symbol of respect, he said. He added the ta’ovala is crafted from woven mats derived from an variety of indigenous plant.
In a similar way, Tonga said, women in Tonga show reverence by wearing the kiekie around their waist. He said the kiekie is an accessory crafted from patterned weavings made of tapa cloths, mats or coconut husks, all adorned with unique Tongan designs. Wearing the kiekie signifies a profound respect for higher authorities and traditions within their culture, said Tonga.
Kiribati’s church fashion incorporates culturally symbolic patterns, said Bobu. These sewn patterns typically embellish the upper front part of dresses and shirts, adding a unique touch to their church attire, she said. Bobu added, “We have the freedom to choose any fabric material that resonates with us and some individuals even incorporate their names into the patterns.” This cultural significance woven into Bobu’s church attire evokes a deep sense of connection to her homeland of Kiribati even when she’s far from home, Bobu said. These garments are not merely pieces of cloth, but are important reminders of her family and the lively community in her island, she said.
Chi also spoke about how the trend of accessorizing with branded purses and bags has gained momentum within members’ fashion culture in Hong Kong. She said they have become universal and must-have accessories to add an extra layer of style and sophistication to different outfits. She added the significance of closed-toe shoes, even for women, as an integral aspect of dressing for church in her culture.