What is Tapa Cloth? Tapa cloth is a decorated mat that you tie around your waist that is made out of bark. This traditional mat is called Ngatu, which is traditionally worn in the Tongan culture by men and women.
Ngatus are worn for important cultural ceremonies, formal events, and it is a part of regalia when you are dancing a Tau'olunga or a group dance which is called Me'etu'upaki. You perform these dances at important milestone events. 
Tapa cloth is important to me because it represents my Tongan heritage and it is worn while I perform my Tau'olungas. Tapa cloth also is worn to show your respect to where your family comes from, and honor your family and the love of the culture. I will pass on the importance of Tapa cloth by continuing to love to perform Tau'olungas, asking more questions to my grandma about the significance, and teach my children the importance of Tapa cloth in all areas in Tongan culture.

– ZM

Relationship:  Grandchild of im/migrant Grandchild of im/migrant