Businesses across the country are registering a surge of orders and advertising special offers for clothing and food more than a fortnight ahead of the White Sunday holiday. 

Typically on White Sunday children lead Sunday services, reciting scriptures and performing in plays and musicals based on Bible stories dressed in their best white clothing.

Well-known local fashion house TAHIANO, says it has reported a major increase in demand for White Sunday clothing orders in recent weeks.

“Since our launch in 2017, we’ve seen a significant increase of White Sunday orders,” Mata’afa Wesche told the Samoa Observer. 

“[But] for 2020 we’ve seen a huge spike of orders. Last year we had 125 local orders and 43 orders from Tokelau and New Zealand.

“This year we’re received 287 local orders and 109 orders from Tokelau and New Zealand. 

“The cool thing about these orders is that almost 95 percent of the orders were all pre-booked from April to May this year which we really appreciate. It makes our schedule run smoothly. This way, we’re able to meet delivery dates.”

The designer says his favourite part of creating White Sunday wear is seeing the children in their brand new customised church clothing at their first fitting. .

“For us, it’s that moment, when the mothers come to do the first fitting of their children’s freshly pressed and tailor-made garments and just to see them and their kids twirling in front of our big mirror admiring their garments,” the designer said.

“For us, that is the most satisfying moment.”

Clothing, food, appliances and even furniture are on special discount for White Sunday which has its own holiday on the Samoan calendar.

A quick look at the social media accounts of other fashion houses in Samoa give us a good idea of how much preparations go into White Sunday. 

Local designer Rimani Samoa is running “Rimani Facts for White Sunday” on their Facebook page. They began advertising White Sunday in early September.

“We can handprint any material you prefer for your kids’ matching set. Alofa atu,” the company states.

This week, Cece’s House of Fashion published a reminder on its Facebook page, stating there are two more weeks to White Sunday.

Cece’s is selling imported girls’ white dresses from the U.S.A. and shoes for children, men and women.

“Visit us today. Get your orders in before it’s too late,” Cece’s said.

White Sunday is on 11 October, 2020.