This page describes one of the Devotopai (Rituals) of the Poku Saeruo Degonjo.

The Sumanâpa Rouka is the ritual where a new Ruoka (House) is acknowledged by the Tanoi (Council), and from this point forward enjoys the rights, privileges and responsibilities of a Ruoka. During the ritual the Ruoka-Ta'a (speaker for the house) is named. Preparation for the ritual takes place prior to the actual ceremony after the Tanoi has decided to approve the petition.

The ritual takes place in the Tanoi meeting hall, representatives from as many Ruoka'ka (Major House), and Ruoka'sa (Minor House) being present. The heads of the families who have petitioned to become a new Ruoka (House) enter wearing white Umatsai (robes) over their Formal Vonaniom (Clothing). They line up behind the person who will be the Ruoka-Ta'a (Speaker for the house). A member of the Kyn Lumu'ai Jael (Lore Keepers Sect) comes out and faces the Mui or Mui-Ta'a. They announce the presence of the supplicants, and their desire to form a Ruoka. The council then asks for proof of the worthiness of the supplicants. The Kyn Lumu'a then proceeds to present the various events the supplicants lives that demonstrate their worth. There is no limitation as to how many things must be presented.

Once the Kyn Lumu'a completes reading, they ask for the Ta'ai of the Jaeli (Sects) to give their statements regarding the petition. After each Ta'a speaks they stand behind the supplicants. The leader of the Tanoi then asks that the supplicants present their Afirmugaly (Heraldry) to the Tanoi. The Kyn Lumu'a leaves the chamber and returns carrying the supplicants Afirmugaly under a cloth. He transfers it to the family and they then remove the cover and hold the Afirmugaly above their heads and rotate it so that all the Tanoi can see it.

The Mui or Mui-Ta'a then calls for a show of hands to approve the petition, this is merely for show as the petition has already been voted upon. After the show of hands, the Tui calls for the supplicants to be clad in their new colors. A group of Kyn Lumu'a comes in carrying Umatsai in the new Ruoka's family color and bearing the crest. The supplicants then change their robes and put on the new ones. Next members of the Tavi Fua Jael (Blood Tooth Sect) then present each of the supplicants with a veltin (dagger) bearing the new crest.

The Mui or Mui-Ta'a then asks for the supplicants to name who will speak for them. The supplicants then surround the individual who will be their Ta'a. They then place their left hand on him and as a group say the person's name and say “this is who will be our Ta'a.” The Tanoi replies then it shall be so. And the confirmed person will be given an umatqe (sash) with the Ta'a markings on it. Once they donned the sash, they move to the front of the group. The new Ta'a then presents the new Ruoka and pledges their loyalty, and support to the Tanoi and the Poku (Clan).

At this point the Punla (Family) is then officially recognized and has the rights, privileges and responsibility of any other Punla (Family).