2019-12-04 Wed

King Tupou I Day is a Tongan public holiday celebrated on December the 4th. It was established to commemorate the anniversary of King Tupou I's coronation.

Siaosi (George) Tupou I was the first King of Tonga. He united separate chiefdoms into a single state, becoming the undisputed leader of the whole of Tonga, published the first written laws in the country, opened the first parliament, and promulgated the constitution. He also protected Tonga from colonization.

Tupou I was born circa 1797 as Taufa?ahau. December 4 (the date of his coronation) is often cited as the King's birthday. He adopted the name Siaosi Tupou in 1831, following his baptism. Siaosi is the Tongan version of the name George; he named himself after King George III of the United Kingdom.

Tupou wanted to become king at an early age, but many local chiefs refused to recognize him. He had to resort to military engagement and intricate political maneuvers to secure their cooperation. Finally, on December 4, 1845, Tupou was legally installed as Tu?i Kanokupolu (chief) and proclaimed himself the first King of Tonga. The anniversary of his coronation is celebrated as King Tupou I Day.

Issued in the year 1886, the first stamps of Tonga depict the left-facing portrait of the King Tupou I. The stamps were issued with the denominations of 1Tongan penny, 2Tongan penny, 6Tongan penny, and 1Tongan shilling. The portrait is inside an oval vignette which is inscribed with “Tonga Postage and Revenu” on the top and the denomination on the bottom.

Image Courtesy: https://colnect.com/

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