Kailao

Its origin is from Wallis and Futuna where it is still performed in public ceremonies. In Tonga it is usually performed at public and private ceremonies. The men, bearing stylized clubs (pate kailao), dance in a fierce manner that emulates fighting, all to the accompaniment of a beaten slit drum or a tin box, which sets the tempo. Unlike most other Tongan dances, the kailao is performed without singing. The sequences of movements to be performed by the group are called by the lead dancer, who will give the name of the sequence, then will signal when to do it. The sequences can involve mock combat between dancers, changes in formation, and tricks involving the pate kailao themselves. The dance displays the dancers' discipline, obedience and skill with their weapon. A similar Rotuman dance, also derived from the 'Uvean original is similarly titled "ka'loa".

The 'Ikale Tahi, the national rugby union team used to perform the kailao with kailao clubs or sticks, as they did against Wales in 1974. However, in the 1980s, the Tonga national team stopped performing the Kailao and switched to the Sipitau which is performed without sticks.

Tonga College students performing a kailao for the King's 70th birthday (1988)

The Tonga rugby union national team's pre-game challenge, the Sipi Tau was penned by King Tama Tu'i Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV in 1994, but its origins can be traced back much further. In Tonga in the pre-1800s there were no challenges before war. Indeed, talking was considered a sign of weakness in battle. But in the 19th century a war dance was introduced from the neighbouring Wallis and Futuna Islands and Tonga quickly annexed it. There have been several different Sipi Tau used by the Tongan rugby team over the years, but it is unsure when they were first used in rugby. The latest one was composed in honour of a short, successful tour of New Zealand in 1994.[1] The current words were first used in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

'Ei e!, 'Ei e!

Teu lea pea tala ki mamani katoa

Ko e 'Ikale Tahi kuo halofia.

Ke 'ilo 'e he sola mo e taka

Ko e 'aho ni teu tamate tangata,

'A e haafe mo e tautua'a

Kuo hu'i hoku anga tangata.

He! he! 'Ei e! Tu.

Teu peluki e molo mo e foueti taka,

Pea ngungu mo ha loto fita'a

Teu inu e 'oseni, pea kana mo e afi

Keu mate ai he ko hoku loto.

Ko Tonga pe mate ki he moto

Ko Tonga pe mate ki he moto.

Aye, ay! Aye, ay!

I shall speak to the whole world

The Sea Eagles are famished unfurl.

Let the foreigner and sojourner beware

Today, destroyer of souls, I am everywhere

To the halfback and backs

Gone has my humanness.

Hey! hey! Aye ay! Zap.

Maul and loose forwards shall I mow

And crunch any fierce hearts you know

Ocean I drink, fire I dine

To death or victory my will is fine.

That's how Tonga dies to her motto

To her motto Tonga gives all.

The Tonga national rugby league team uses a different Sipi Tau.

Teu to ki he tupe!

Ko e 'aho!

Ko e 'aho mavava mo e tangi!

Teu mate maa Tonga!

Hi!

Tonga 'e!

Ta ke hu ki ai!

Katoa pe!

Taha!

Mo e to kotoa!

Teu fetau folau!

Hi! Ha!

Mo e pese!

Mo e lea!

'Otua ke tau!

Tau malohi!

'Ai Malohi!

Tau Fefeka!

'Ai Fefeka!

Tau ki Tonga!

To'o mo e hi!

Tau mo tangi!

'I 'olunga moihulo!

Feinga te tau 'ikuna!

'Ikuna kotoa!

Hi!

This Sipi Tau is translated as follows:

I will stomp the ground with a thunderous noise

The day

The day of clamor and howling

My life for Tonga

Yeah!

O Tonga

Behold, we make our entrance

All of us

As one

Stomping in unison

I will journey into battle

Hee! Haa!

In jubilation

In speech

O God, bless us that we may...

Fight well

Be strong

Fight hard

Be firm

Fight for Tonga

Take with you the "hee"!

Fight and howl

Towards the goal

We must be victorious

Victory all the way

Yeah!

• Haka of the All Blacks
• Cibi
• Siva tau
• Haka
• Hula