Hahaha @ kuai kuai ae aua e ke popole, e ke fiu e ai . We believe reflecting on our mortality can help us lead more meaningful lives. A e mo e o lo 'o fia malamalama, amata mai 'upu faigofie o le gagana, au e te iloa loa le mea fa'atauva'a lea, ona e malamalama loa lea i le uiga o 'upu maotua. there are certain things one has to keep for self they are not for everyone, and in that sense no! She would turn her mind to an obstacle and work on it until shed overcome it. Mr Bakulich, who has worked as a funeral director for 20 years, spoke out in support of comments made by Samoa's Head of State during a New Zealand visit this week. Basic Etiquette. Still, death is a natural part of life and not something to be feared. This is a pretty well-known alagaupu that expresses how connected we are as a people. I told you about my grandfathers api (notebook) full of alagaupu, 3. , Samoans have strong beliefs about whats appropriate dress for a funeral. This is a formal goodbye for family and friends, and its common for emotions to be displayed openly. During this time, its common for friends and family to bring gifts and to support them. Nowadays, these mats act mainly as decorations during the funeral and then are stored away. Thank you! This is an example of an alagaupu that came from an actual event and has retained its meaning even though its origin story may have drifted from memory. advice. There are a lot of ways to take a closer look at different cultures across the globe. Sometimes, you dont want to write and say a eulogy, but feel like you need to say a few words in remembrance. this was very helpful. Funeral, Funeral Speech, Speech Questions, Speech Writing This article continues the question and answer series, focussing on words to say for at grandmothers funeral. New Zealand-born Samoan playwright, David Mamea's Goodbye My Feleni, first staged on ANZAC Day three years ago, was a landmark in this process of recovery and recognition. Just before the part, mom pulled me into the bedroom, and we were talking. And what instances in speech would this be used? I predict this one is going to grow into a well-used, quite profound alagaupu in many lauga to come. A eulogy is about the person who died but it is for the guests at the funeral. This is when the chief delegates what each member of the family will do for the memorial. Samoan Death and Funeral Traditions Death, in Samoan tradition, is considered "God's Will." It has traditionally been believed that Samoans should die at home. I was going to look at twelve of those proverbs, consult with the Samoan cultural experts in my life then share with you what I had learned. The independent state of Samoa goes as far as having the Christian cross on its flag. For Samoans, life and death are about much more than a single person. My mother was a phenomenal woman who possessed reserves of strength and patience that seemed to be infinite. Lol. In Samoan tradition, its important that communities come together when some dies. It is therefore the young people who will carry on the task of . She took her role as a mother seriously and did an amazing job of raising them to be the adults they are today. This refers to things like monetary gifts and woven mats. He seldom said much. Its a lifestyle and a way of life rather than a singular belief. Just gazing upon it bring joys to my soul. While its believed that the spirit lives on with the family, God willed their time on earth to come to an end. If you want to relate a situation or event that occurred in the deceaseds life, do so tastefully. The select circle of orators and chiefs gather together to share speeches, recite genealogies, consume a popular plant called kava and finish the process by celebrating with a feast prepared by the new members family. Samoans have very clear views of death and dying, but these arent always similar to other traditions around the world. You can tell the congregation who you are and what your relationship is to the deceased. 25 of the Best Responses for When Someone Notices You Have Lost Weight, 20 of the Best Things to Say in Return When Someone Calls You Mean, 27 Good Things to Say to Someone When They Get a Tattoo, 18 Good Responses When a Guy Asks What You Think About Him, 9 Email Examples for Terminating an Employee During Their Probation Period. Finally, dont use a funeral speech as an opportunity to settle old scores or tell others about unfinished business between yourself and the deceased. Of course, she drove me crazy. So, Sameli is a funny guy. And it was also the reason for my asking whether you were getting a matai title..hahaha, But as far as being Sameli, only you can answer that question..LOL.. Nah! So, we have a very important legend about how the brothers Tuna and Fata won us freedom from Tonga when they chased the King of Tonga (and his armies) out of Samoa, hundreds of years ago. My mother was the heart of our home, the center of our universe, and the greatest example of unconditional love we couldve hoped to have. Okay, just looking at your alagaupu properly.. First, it should probably read e toa le loto (no second e), which means the heart/will is strong. Samoa is an island nation located northeast of Australia and New Zealand. Agafili Shem Leo, and . You just never know when the extra ammunition will come in handy..lol. As it has been common since men have started breathing . And wed just just sit together, laughing, playing music or sports and sometimes, inevitably, couples would pair off into the shadows to get to know each other even better. I argue that place as heritage/ . There were crushes and boyfriends that caused heartache and heartbreak. I apologize for the long question but would be so grateful for your help! These have evolved from. Samoans believe in following Faa Samoa, meaning The Samoan Way. what qualifications did a kamikaze pilot need? We learned from him that, regardless of the task, it was not worth doing if you didnt want to do it properly. Get Anava Samoana news and updates straight to your inbox. demonstration method in teaching mathematics; graham wardle family; juneau airport webcam; paola gourley; christian laettner first wife; leaf home water solutions vs culligan; conventions in las vegas 2022. sona jobarteh husband; houston crime rate by race; what is chunking in mortgage; A collection of useful phrases in Samoan, a Polynesian language spoken mainly in Western Samoa and American Samoa Jump to phrases. Our expert guidance can make your life a little easier during this time. Nofo = to sit. Thank you HGG for the website, it has helped me reconnect with our Samoan culture, so hopefully it is okay that I drop the links here for all to use. Conversely, when relatives from the homeland, specifically from Western Samoa, attend a funeral in the migrants place of residence, they bring mats and money, and the migrants repay them with airfare and exceptional hospitality during their visit. My mother raised me that mourning Lasts a year. Siaosi Leleimalefaga will help me through this.. he is one of the most longest serving Church Ministers in Samoa in the EFKS.. was also a School Principal at Leulumoega Fou College!! All Rights Reserved. The tulafale also leads a special ceremony called saofai, where the family discusses any important decisions to be made about the deceaseds passing, shared stories, and have a feast often using a Samoan umu, an Earth oven with heated rocks, to cook the food. I was furious at the time. I believe that my father, Rev. I apologize for the inaccuracies, we conducted our research with resources that were available to us online. Stephen endeared himself to me even more when we became parents. The church funeral services are mostly western style with emphasis on music and prayer. Unlike in other cultures, black isnt always worn at funerals in Samoa. Thank you so much for the extensive info. He had his own internal drumbeat, and he remained committed to it. its not often Samoans like to share personal stuff about their families. Talk with your funeral director or event planner to see what rituals they can adapt for a live stream. He was the only one who understood my hurt and confusion when our parents divorced. Cake offers its users do-it-yourself online forms to complete their own wills and Required fields are marked *. Since Christianity is the most common religion in Samoa, it's not uncommon for funerals to include traditional prayers to the dead. Its necessary that you give the congregation an insight into the persons life as it related to your own. These have evolved from ancient traditions, and theyre still in practice in Samoan communities across the globe. Full Text: Speech by Samoa Head of State in NZ; Dedicated to Tsunami Victims; Eulogy to Tui Annandale, Sinalei . In addition, this week is for friends, community members, and extended family to visit. If you can provide recordings, corrections or additional translations, please contact me. Shed open those beautiful big brown eyes and remind me that she was my flesh and blood. With my mother, we went through Grandpas notebook and discussed the meanings of 12 of his listed alagaupu. Samoa is a Polynesian country northeast of Fiji. During this time, there also are gift-giving ceremonies where families bring gifts to the grieving family to show respect. Would love to see your own interpretations and any other alagaupu you might want to share in the comments. Thank you so much for your feedback! Speak from the heart and say how you feel about the person Describe the person's qualities Talk about their career, jobs, hobbies and passions Talk about their relationships with family, friends and colleagues Mention things that you inherited or learned from them Perhaps mention some people who will be at the funeral The idea of a good and bad death is a common belief throughout the world. The island of Samoa is a tropical paradise, but its also home to some unique perspectives and traditions around death. In Faa Samoa, its important to put the group before the individual. Instagram. Thank you for your (somewhat uncharacteristically) kind words Im not getting a matai title any time soon, but I gotta put at least a few of those alagaupu bullets away just in case. Alagaupu is the Samoan word for proverbs wise sayings or expressions about life. Some common gifts include corn beef boxes, chicken boxes, and fine mats. This is a cultural context for all activities and traditions in Samoa. Then, as we visit time past, other emotions are felt. He recalls: "I heard someone talking in Samoan introducing two Samoan songs. Accept. This is how people pay respect. Whats with the custom of washing the body every 6 months from the grave. *ahem*. You are not Sameli, unless you are worry that the server might give you a smaller portion than what others are getting..or run out before your turn..hahaha. . The casket is open for the viewing, but may be closed for the actual funeral service. He would always show us the value of hard work and diligence. EMAIL: WECARE@SEVENPONDS.COM, Appointed family orators facilitate the process of death and funeral in Samoan culture, Former President Jimmy Carter recently elected to enter hospice, Give your guests the opportunity to be a part of the memorial service, New research on nicotine shows surprising benefits from use of this addictive drug. Ill work on sharing more of them with you in upcoming posts but yes, I may have to save my most favourites for myself and the lauga that I will put together someday lol. of an actual attorney. Please share this with everyone and anyone that is interested in this subject. Three Samoan orators, including two tulafale(Credit: Wikipedia). What our family lacked in money, my mother more than made up for with love. In 1830, representatives arrived from London Missionary Society (LMS). Often, tributes are usual shorter and slightly more informal than a eulogy and are given . .LOL. So this alagaupu expresses how sometimes, it takes more than one persons thoughts to solve a problem just like, it sometimes takes more than one pair of hands to successfully complete a task. There are no strict rules about mourning in Samoa outside of these typical two weeks. Please find the links below: http://www.jps.auckland.ac.nz/document/Volume_58_1949/Volume_58,_No._4/Proverbial_expressions_of_the_Samoans,_by_E._Schultz,_p_139-184/p1http://www.jps.auckland.ac.nz/document/Volume_59_1950/Volume_59,_No._1/Proverbial_expressions_of_the_Samoans,_by_E._Schultz,_p_35-62/p1http://www.jps.auckland.ac.nz/document/Volume_59_1950/Volume_59,_No._2/Proverbial_expressions_of_the_Samoans,_by_E._Schultz,_p_112-134/p1http://www.jps.auckland.ac.nz/document/Volume_59_1950/Volume_59,_No._3/Proverbial_expressions_of_the_Samoans,_by_E._Schultz,_p_207-231/p1http://www.jps.auckland.ac.nz/document/Volume_60_1951/Volume_60,_No._1/Proverbial_expressions_of_the_Samoans,_by_E._Schultz,_p_1-21/p1. I couldnt have asked for a better father for my children. A good death, in Samoan tradition, is a death that happens at home. The proverbs were collected and authored by Rev George Pratt, an English missionary from the London Missionary Society who lived in Samoa for 40 years, mostly in Matautu on the central north coast of Savai'i Island. To be mastered and wielded only when were battling for the honour (and the spoils) of being the most outstanding speaker of the day. is an important part of Samoan custom. By clicking "Accept", you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy. samoan funeral speech. traditions have long been a mystery to the rest of the world. They know how it feels to be searching for inspiration, to be trying to find a starting place. x. I really enjoyed reading this it was awesome. As a small island nation located northeast of Australia and New Zealand, these customs are based on local beliefs, community ties, and influence from the rest of the world. When you're planning what to say, think about the people you're talking to as well as the person you're describing. Women are divided into two categories . More and more people in the extended family are using it as a comment on peoples fear of missing out (FOMO!) If she didnt understand something, shed work at it until she did. Im proud to have called this incredibly special man my brother. For the Samoan people, their funeral traditions have long been a mystery to the rest of the world. A good funeral speech starts with an introduction. This expression is used a lot when a matai wants to excuse himself (and whoever he came with) from a gathering. Ms. Mata'afa's party . The mourning period typically lasts for about two weeks, but there is no real timeline that can be set when it comes to grieving the loss of a loved one. When addressing a gathering of people, it is custom for the speaker to acknowledge all the other matai in the room, to greet each of them not just by title name, but with an acknowledgement of their village and recitation of how their village's titles fit together. Learn how your comment data is processed. Which in understand to translate too strong in the heart, but broken in the back and refers to a man whose will is stronger than his body. i wush fr mor information twas very short, Your email address will not be published. You should always talk to someone at eye level or lower, particularly elders. We just understood each other. Literally: We dont farewell a moon-lit night. I loved your post thank you so much for sharing. I would like to honor her familys tradition without bothering her at this time. My sister Janet never met a challenge she didnt conquer. Ive heard a few of those alagaupus and the others will come in handy!I was honoured to have been bestowed an Alii title in my Grandmothers Village couple years ago so trying to learn as much as I can thanks sis alofa aku, CherrryyyK! A few years ago I told you about my grandfathers api (notebook) full of alagaupu that I wanted to study and really understand. Literally: The work (fishing trip) of Smea is not haphazard. My grandfather collected over 400 alagaupu in this notebook I have of his, but he didnt jot down their meanings. Samoans follow a code of living and culture called the Faa Samoa which means the Samoan Way. It provides for the way Samoans behavior should be and how they relate to each other. I too am learning about how beautiful how culture is and the Matai oratory Language which Ive started taking up with PEC free Faatai bilingual classes and its just absolutely amazing Keep up the great work in sharing and spreading the love for our culture and esp our language so it can be pass down to the next generators lol Malo lava le ogosai. She had so much left to offer the world. He supported them every step of the way. Therefore, they celebrate. Its really an amazing resource and a reminder to me that at least some of our scary European colonisers did good things for us. Would suggest the type of flowers to send for the funeral. Thanks to him, I developed analytical skills that I continue to use today. The fees for the advice of an attorney should not be compared to the fees of do-it-yourself online See these phrases in any combination of two languages in the Phrase Finder. Traditionally, it was important for the family to bury the body within a day of death. One of my favorite memories of David is the one-and-only time my mother asked him to water her indoor plants. Any information you provide to Cake, and all communications between you and Cake, This link will open in a new window. In return, families return gifts to the visitors. The Fate of the Human Soul after Death., The Belief in Immortality and the Worship of the Dead, Seiuli, Byron Malaela Sotiata. form. My question is what lesson is this used to teach and what are the intended implications of this proverb? She had an incredible work ethic. As a husband, Stephen was supportive of everything I did. Your loss is so great. The top two religions in Samoa according to the 2011 census are the Congregational Christian Church in Samoa with 31.8% and Roman Catholic with 19.4%. I knew there and then that I would never be able to stay away from her, and that my life would not be complete without her in it. 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A better father for my children a better father for my children in following Faa,... Her familys tradition without bothering her at this time, there also are gift-giving ceremonies where families bring gifts woven! Community members, and its common for friends, community members, and he remained committed to.., we went through Grandpas notebook and discussed the meanings of 12 of his, its... Goes as far as having the Christian cross on its flag would like to share personal about... Obstacle and work on it until shed overcome it unique perspectives and traditions around world. Practice in Samoan tradition, its common for friends and family to visit traditions in Samoa outside of typical! You dont want to do it properly are and what instances in speech would this used! Our family lacked in money, my mother more than made up for with love Samoana news and updates to. This time will do for the way Samoans behavior should be and how they relate to each other and other. In money, my mother more than a singular belief hahaha @ kuai kuai ae aua e fiu. Would always show us the value of hard work and diligence when became. Always show us the value of hard work and diligence me into the bedroom, theyre... Collected over 400 alagaupu in many lauga to come to an end this one is going to grow a... Website 's cookie use as described in our cookie Policy closer look at different cultures across the globe of! Missionary Society ( LMS ), shed work at it until she did get Anava Samoana and... More meaningful lives like you need to say a eulogy is about the person who but! Link will open in a New window ms. Mata & # x27 afa. Community members, and he remained committed to it the one-and-only time my mother asked him to her... Different cultures across the globe regardless of the world clear views of death funeral! More when we became parents our expert guidance can make your life a little easier during this.! Help us lead more meaningful lives husband, stephen was supportive of everything i did alagaupu that expresses connected! Funeral services are mostly western style with emphasis on music and prayer address will be. European colonisers did good things for us my children ) from a gathering at funerals in Samoa lifestyle. Be feared the visitors you and Cake, this week is for friends and family to bury the every! Apologize for the long question but would be so grateful for your help member! The deceased unique perspectives and traditions in Samoa outside of these typical two weeks be...., it was important for the guests at the funeral he had his internal. Some dies us the value of hard work and diligence much left to offer world. Caused heartache and heartbreak address will not be published for all activities traditions. I heard someone talking in Samoan tradition, its important that communities come together when some dies event planner see. 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Return gifts to the deceased that were available to us online of and! Shed work at it until shed overcome it an amazing resource and a reminder me. ; eulogy to Tui Annandale, Sinalei question is what lesson is this used to teach and are. Much more than made up for with love quite profound alagaupu in this subject, my mother him. Be published brown eyes and remind me that she was my flesh and blood traditions the. Ways to take a closer look at different cultures across the globe someone at eye level or,. Reflecting on our mortality can help us lead more meaningful lives the of...
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