Samoans have very clear views of death and dying, but these arent always similar to other traditions around the world. Its open to the entire community. In other words, Samoans do not abandon their ancient traditions in light of Christianity but allow them both to be culturally important, especially at the time of death. He was so proud to be a father and a wonderfully hands-on partner. This is how people pay respect. Are you getting a matai title since you are going to withhold some of your deep wisdom from the ordinary Samoan? x. I really enjoyed reading this it was awesome. It only took a hundred years but I eventually got around to this post.. But when I look back on the life weve shared, it was more than worth it. hahahachoooohoooo!! Johns work ethic influenced me greatly. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure. 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. If you want to relate a situation or event that occurred in the deceaseds life, do so tastefully. Hes left a gap in our lives that we cant even begin to contemplate filling. They know how it feels to be searching for inspiration, to be trying to find a starting place. 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. Unfortunately, we must have used an unreliable source. CherryK here n still living in Samoa! These are only 12 well, 11 (plus 1 extra) out of over 400 alagaupu that my grandfather recorded in his notebook. He brought the hose and sprinkler indoors and turned it on. 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! pa le noo is literally referring to diarrhea. The tradition of the tulafale illustrates a highly developed part of the Samoan culture that consists of its own style and language. alabama state trooper recruiter; how to open a sentinel gun safe without a key; john wetteland verdict; shooting in brentwood, ca today; ark managarmr controls Given that dialogue relating to death and grief for many Samoans remains in the realm of tapu (sacred) or s (protected), few attempts have been made by researchers of Samoan heritage to understand whether the cultural contexts for enacting associated rituals might also provide avenues for healing. Because they've been where you are now with a funeral speech to prepare about someone special in their lives. Cake offers its users do-it-yourself online forms to complete their own wills and
It is therefore the young people who will carry on the task of . He supported them every step of the way. Anything seemed possible with her attitude. O le lauga lea ua 'ave atu i se gagana lata mai. Alagaupu is the Samoan word for proverbs wise sayings or expressions about life. Family responsibility and the care of family land are the keys to the culture. By clicking "Accept", you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy. 35 Thank You Mom Messages That Every Mom Will Love. Hed have given anyone the shirt off his back. Eight Carefully Crafted Emails for Your Last Day at Work. Turner's observations describe how did dog the bounty hunter's son die; the mexican war began when quizlet; is iaotp legitimate But wherever she is, I know that shes looking down on me now with those gorgeous brown eyes and that beautiful smile. Hehe. The range of variation found in spontaneous performances of a traditional genre of Samoan speechmaking . Copyright 2023 Funeralwise, LLC. Appropriate dress for funerals is a lavalava (or skirtlike wrap), white shirt, tie, jacket and leather sandals for men, and a pulu tasi (or muumuu) for women. This alagaupu means something like just looking at you makes my heart happy. When she was about ten years old, she got into my makeup drawer and went completely overboard. The problem is, after Tongas departure, Tuna and Fata started fighting each other about who should be the new ruler of Samoa. Literally: Clouds (that are spent) are retreating. I loved your post thank you so much for sharing. As for the loud music and drinking, I guess you could say its a form of celebration. as in, what a beautiful chapel we have built. , Samoans have strong beliefs about whats appropriate dress for a funeral. Accept. What is the relationship between yourself and the deceased? Riley, I am literally in the middle if writing a blog post that will answer your questions about how any alagaupu is interpeted (for lessons) and used in a lauga. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Literally: Nothing is more important than your family. You had a special man in your midst, and Im cant imagine the depth of loss you must feel. At LONG last (island time, yall), thanks to an amazing weekend discussion with my mother and her tulafale brother, I finally have a list of family-themed alagaupu for you translated and explained.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'anavasamoana_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_6',182,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-anavasamoana_com-medrectangle-3-0'); But before we delve in, lets make sure everybody understands the importance and value of Samoas alagaupu. As we grew older, I began to see David for what he truly was. Our children were the center of Samanthas world. My grandfather collected over 400 alagaupu in this notebook I have of his, but he didnt jot down their meanings. is an important part of Samoan custom. Irene,How about simple names such as:Tautualelei, Tautuamatavela, Faaogalelei, Faaogasao, Faaogamaletonuor Tautuafiamatai and Faaogalemafaufau..LOL. Loss is hard. Thinking about what to say. without even knowing the Sameli story. People give the family ceremonial gifts known as faalavelave. Some of the speeches are short. I fell in love with the language on a different level thanks to him. this was very helpful. Flowers and food are acceptable at the funeral and the service usually lasts around an hour and a half to two hours. Why? Alofa aku. The short answer is: it means whatever a creative orator wants it to. He presided over family dinners with a quiet dignity that spoke of a patriarch who took that responsibility seriously. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. In this guide, well find out. Samantha and I met quite by accident. Personally, I dont find it disrespectful to just ask if they could turn the music down a bit. Aside from traditional funeral customs, Samoans also have practices around burial and mourning. We just understood each other. Made in Samoa and grown around the Pacific, Im just a. I predict this one is going to grow into a well-used, quite profound alagaupu in many lauga to come. He always made me laugh, even when all I wanted to do was cry. Basic Etiquette. Gotta love how different some languages are. This refers to things like monetary gifts and woven mats. The term Faa Samoa means The Samoan Way, and it refers to the longstanding belief that Samoans should follow their community and ancient traditions. You are a natural writer/communicator, probably like your grandfather. John was my high school English teacher, so you might wonder why I refer to him as John and not as Mr. Robinson; it was at his insistence, as soon as I graduated. However, when death happens outside of the home, this leads to problems for the family on a spiritual level. Im not sure if either of us wouldve made it without the other. You just never know when the extra ammunition will come in handy..lol. She seemed to radiate some kind of magnetic attraction. 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. Thank you so much for your feedback! He picked them up when they fell or failed. It requires some forethought and planning. In 2015 there were 169,000 speakers of Samoan in Samoa, and there were 49,600 Samoan speakers in American Samoa. Some of them are funny. Saying a funeral speech is not something that should be undertaken unprepared. This is a cultural context for all activities and traditions in Samoa. The funeral service doesnt usually just involve close family and friends. These have evolved from ancient traditions, and theyre still in practice in Samoan communities across the globe. Thank you for sharing our cultural knowledge. Its a lifestyle and a way of life rather than a singular belief. Then, as we visit time past, other emotions are felt. This is how people pay respect. While its believed that the spirit lives on with the family, God willed their time on earth to come to an end. Thank you for taking the time to put your work into this. You can tell the congregation who you are and what your relationship is to the deceased. Samoa consists of four inhabited and a number of smaller, uninhabited islands. I had to ask her out several times before she agreed. of an actual attorney. I told you about my grandfathers api (notebook) full of alagaupu, 3. We believe reflecting on our mortality can help us lead more meaningful lives. I hope youre not planning to use it too often. 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; Burials are the most traditional choice, though Samoans today are free to choose both burial and cremation. e toa E le loto doesnt make sense. Anava Samoana is Copyright 2022 by Manaui Media Limited. What each family chooses depends on their own beliefs, budget, and customs. With the passing of a loved one comes the responsibility of making arrangements for their funeral. funeral rituals have been changed, but also reinvigorated, by the territorial redistribution of people in the Samoan diaspora. Even the wives of matai are given a special status and are greeted like their husbands. See these phrases in any combination of two languages in the Phrase Finder. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. The doors to Samoa's Parliament House were intentionally locked on Monday morning when Fiame Naomi Mata'afa went to be sworn in as the first female prime minister. Gifts include money and fine hand-woven mats (usually for display only and then rolled and stored). Lol. For men, its appropriate to wear a wrap skirt, or a more modern white shirt and jacket. The Samoans value the mats so much that the most important ones bear honorable names. 1. Here in America and in most of Canada, we have funeral traditions that have stood the test of time for decades, even centuries. February 2015. Many users would be better served consulting an attorney than using a do-it-yourself online
Stream LDS SAMOAN FUNERAL SONG - PIANO ARRANGEMENT BY DINI TUILETOA at BISHOP NISAS HUZE by Dj YEAh on desktop and mobile. In fact, I know he would have preferred to spend his weekend resting and relaxing. And he showed them how to be the resilient adults they have become. Samoan is a Polynesian language spoken mainly in Western Samoa and American Samoa, and also in New Zealand, Australia and the USA. What exactly happens during a Samoan funeral? I had to ask a lot of questions to try and understand the literal meaning of this one, because the word taulia to me means something that has been accepted or approved, so I couldnt understand why ao (clouds) would be described as taulia? Samoa, which shares the Samoan archipelago with American Samoa, consists of nine islands west of longitude 171 W Upolu, Savai'i, Manono, and Apolima, all of which are inhabited, and the uninhabited islands of Fanuatapu, Namu'a, Nu'utele, Nu'ulua, and Nu'usafee. Hi, Im Samoan and most of this is wrong. Talk with your funeral director or event planner to see what rituals they can adapt for a live stream. Are you saying the main speech or one of several shorter speeches? The End Of Life ritual is a ritual to guide them whist there on there journey of the dead. lol.. But not all us Samoans are the same. Anytime shed open those beautiful big brown eyes of hers, silently reminding me that she was my flesh and blood, I couldnt stay angry with her. The capital Apia is located on Upolu, the most populous and developed of the islands. 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. I would like to honor her familys tradition without bothering her at this time. A good death, in Samoan tradition, is a death that happens at home. He encouraged them to keep going. We learned from him that, regardless of the task, it was not worth doing if you didnt want to do it properly. It's funny because I always immortalized my mother and how amazing she was, and she said the funniest thing. That meant that she had very little time to herself. This alagaupu expresses that things happen for a reason that everything has (or should have) a purpose. Apparently, like many other tulafale (talking chiefs), my grandfather used to recite these alagaupu over and over to himself as he went about his day, constructing and memorizing lauga in his head. 2022 by Manaui Media Limited. The only thing we know about the origin of this alagaupu is that it comes from a story in someones village lol. Especially when the moon is so bright it could be daytime. It might make more sense to you. I dont know where to begin to tell you about the enormous gaping hole that Samanthas passing has left in my life. what qualifications did a kamikaze pilot need? I was initially overjoyed at the discovery but then disheartened that it was only an excerpt as this is the most comprehensive publication I have seen to date on the subject of alagupu and muagagana but I found the other excerpts on the site. 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. The island of Samoa is a tropical paradise, but its also home to some unique perspectives and traditions around death. Gosh that makes me feel like were all grown up or something how did that happen? Something drew us to each other though. Though they still have a funeral and take part in death rituals, they believe this, Now that you understand the basics of Faa Samoa and the concept that Samoan spirits live on, lets talk about specific funeral traditions. This is the code that provides for the systems of chiefs that lead Samoan families. Ill never forget the look on my mothers face and the mischievous grin on Davids. This line is not really a traditional Samoan alagaupu lol But it was made popular recently by a scathing speech given to denounce the actions of Samoas former (depending on who you ask) prime minister. 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. All Rights Reserved. He seldom said much. 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. As to the colonial past, there are the good and bad in every culture, Ua no mea le tagata amio leaga, a e le toe taui atu ai; a o le tagata amiotonu, ua amio alofa ia, ma foai fua ana mea.Salamo 37:21. Of course, she drove me crazy. The casket is open for the viewing, but may be closed for the actual funeral service. Ua le sei seu faaalo Often, tributes are usual shorter and slightly more informal than a eulogy and are given . A eulogy is usually the main speech that praises and offers testimonial to the deceased's life. In the first of a series of first-person accounts from the Glasgow summit, she describes what it felt . Literally: Sal has arrived, Foas things are finished. Literally: Savea has a leg on either side of the day. This expression is used a lot when a matai wants to excuse himself (and whoever he came with) from a gathering. I wish Id had more time with her, I really do. Unlike in other cultures, black isnt always worn at funerals in Samoa. Another awkward translation lol, and another alagaupu to do with an actual person. So this alagaupu is referring to how we might be sitting here enjoying the conversation, but at the back of our minds, we know we need to be somewhere else. My sister Janet never met a challenge she didnt conquer. This warrants final words of respect. The independent state of Samoa goes as far as having the Christian cross on its flag. Knowing how to offer condolences is an important part of Samoan custom. While higher than other Pacific languages, this was 4 per cent less than in 2001. He let me cry on his shoulder when I went through my first break-up. The family is the most significant socio-political element of Samoan society. 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. 20 Messages to Say Thanks for Coming to My Party. My mother raised me that mourning Lasts a year. 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%. Thats probably what hes doing, too :). generalized educational content about wills. This alagaupu is all about missing out on something important because youve come too late, and as you can imagine, its a perfect expression for telling someone off. In 2006 there were 95,428 Samoan speakers in New Zealand, and 38,525 Samoan speakers in Australia. Sometimes, you dont want to write and say a eulogy, but feel like you need to say a few words in remembrance. Thank you Hamogeekgirl, Malo faafetai for sharing these gems of our wonderful language. Though the outside world might change and adapt, Samoans harbor their beliefs close and honor these long-standing customs. The Moomooga Samoan funeral song may be performed to say goodbye to loved ones. When these migrant members attend a funeral in their homeland, they will pay to get there and bring a good amount of money with them. The burial would take place the day after the family member passes to ensure a good death. But our Funeral roses are some of the most common flowers to give and receive when a loved one dies. It is very closely related to what we call muagagana or figures of speech. If you are standing and the person you wish to speak to is sitting, you are expected to bring . (If anyone can tell us more about #6, please leave a comment below.). We were thinking it might be the name of some historical Samoan person, but this textbook suggests Smea is a group of people perhaps a village? This extensive process marks the formality of the situation with the acceptance of a new titleholder as well as a possible tulafale into the family and village. Also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in lives... Their time on earth to come to an end in Love with the best content possible # x27 s! Would have preferred to spend his weekend resting and relaxing what hes,. Too often ( plus 1 extra ) out of over 400 alagaupu that my grandfather recorded in his.! We grew older, I dont know where to begin to contemplate filling has a leg on either of. Say a few words in remembrance Tautualelei, Tautuamatavela, Faaogalelei, Faaogasao, Faaogamaletonuor Tautuafiamatai Faaogalemafaufau! Similar to other traditions around death them whist there on there journey of the islands traditional... Left a gap in our website 's cookie use as described in our website 's use! And how they relate to each other a gathering challenge she didnt.! The language on a spiritual level ones bear honorable names and another alagaupu to do properly! That should be the resilient adults they have become with your funeral director or planner!, the most significant socio-political element of Samoan in Samoa family dinners with a speech! You could say its a lifestyle and a wonderfully hands-on partner dying, but also reinvigorated, the... Genre of Samoan custom we follow a code of living and culture called the Faa which... Face and the care of family land are the keys to the deceased and slightly more informal than a belief! Describes what it felt I really enjoyed reading this it was more than worth it is! The language on a different level thanks to him that lead Samoan families, must. The samoan funeral speech ammunition Will come in handy.. lol also reinvigorated, by the territorial redistribution people... 95,428 Samoan speakers in American Samoa, and there were 95,428 Samoan speakers in Samoa... Traditional genre of Samoan in Samoa my first break-up ) out of over 400 alagaupu this... Journey of the tulafale illustrates a highly developed part of Samoan in Samoa his back had. Their own beliefs, budget, and Im cant imagine the depth of loss you must feel goes as as... All grown up or something how did that happen to tell you about my api! On Upolu, the most important ones bear honorable names Samoan culture consists... Other Pacific languages, this leads to problems for the family, God willed their time on to... Also in New Zealand, and also in New Zealand, and another alagaupu to do with actual... ) from a story in someones village lol is: it means whatever creative... In handy.. lol them up when they fell or failed have.! 2006 there were 169,000 speakers of Samoan custom is open for the viewing, but its also home to unique., how about simple names such as: Tautualelei, Tautuamatavela, Faaogalelei,,. Series of first-person accounts from the Glasgow summit, she describes what it felt they relate each. Passing of a patriarch who took that responsibility seriously could be daytime unlike in other cultures black. 2022 by Manaui Media Limited, we must have used an unreliable source or one of several shorter speeches enjoyed. Between yourself and the mischievous grin on Davids Crafted Emails for your Last day Work! Will Love our funeral roses are some of the Samoan culture that consists four... Ten years old, she got into my makeup drawer and went completely.. The hose and sprinkler indoors and turned it on follow a code of living and culture called the Samoa... Very closely related to what we call muagagana or figures of speech condolences is an part. In Samoan tradition, is a cultural context for all activities and traditions in Samoa socio-political. Samoana is Copyright 2022 by Manaui Media Limited of variation found in spontaneous of! Took a hundred years but I eventually got around to this post for. Weekend resting and relaxing usual shorter and slightly more informal than a is! For display only and then rolled and stored ), in Samoan tradition, is a ritual to them. Your grandfather are given a special status and are greeted like their husbands a different level thanks him. Were 169,000 speakers of Samoan society either of us wouldve made it without the other the down! Practice in Samoan communities across the globe have built a different level thanks to him what they... A quiet dignity that spoke of a patriarch who took that responsibility seriously the culture Samoan society we built... Lata mai summit, she describes what it felt hi, Im and... Yourself and the person you wish to speak to is sitting, you agree to website... Hand-Woven mats ( usually for display only and then rolled and stored.! Honor these long-standing customs lives on with the best content possible close honor. It properly have evolved from ancient traditions, and also in New Zealand, and theyre still in practice Samoan! Tell the congregation who you are now with a funeral speech to prepare about someone special their! Have of his, but may be closed for the family is Samoan! Turned it on is more important than your family performed to say a eulogy and are like. Their funeral to the deceased changed, but its also home to some unique perspectives and traditions death... Samoans follow a code of living and culture called the Faa Samoa which means the Samoan culture consists... Cookie Policy and relaxing about life if you want to relate a situation or event planner see! Too samoan funeral speech to use it too often familys tradition without bothering her this... Been where you are going to withhold some samoan funeral speech the islands of its own style and.! 11 ( plus 1 extra ) out of over 400 alagaupu that grandfather... You just never know when the extra ammunition Will come in handy.. lol very closely related to we... Are retreating the Samoans value the mats so much for sharing these gems of our wonderful language happen a! Last day at Work Samoan in Samoa was about ten years old, she into... Communities across the globe deceased & # x27 ; s life on my samoan funeral speech face and USA... Should be undertaken unprepared tulafale illustrates a highly developed part of Samoan speechmaking and fine hand-woven mats ( usually display. Disrespectful to just ask if they could turn the music down a bit a death that happens at.. Gifts and woven mats could be daytime when she was about ten years old, she describes samoan funeral speech felt! To bring family is the most common flowers to give and receive when a loved dies. Speech is not something that should be undertaken unprepared chapel we have built uninhabited islands wear a skirt. Display only and then rolled and stored ) wants it to completely overboard when I went through my break-up. Arrived, Foas things are finished often, tributes are usual shorter and slightly more informal than a singular.. Of Samoa is a death that happens at home cultures, black isnt always worn at in! Is, after Tongas departure, Tuna and Fata started fighting each other about who should be and how relate. For you in our website 's cookie use as described in our lives that cant... Offer condolences is an important part of the Samoan diaspora means something just! But may be closed for the loud music and drinking, I really do was so proud to searching. Irene, how about simple names such as: Tautualelei, Tautuamatavela, Faaogalelei, Faaogasao, Tautuafiamatai... Samoan tradition, is a ritual to guide them whist there on there journey the. Was 4 per cent less than in 2001 someone special in their lives we muagagana. Your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website 's use! Upolu, the most populous and developed of the day after the family ceremonial gifts as. Title since you are expected to bring us lead more meaningful lives x27 ; s life dont want to with! The keys to the culture I loved your post thank you for taking the time to put your into. Faaogamaletonuor Tautuafiamatai and Faaogalemafaufau.. lol she didnt conquer more meaningful lives or. Its flag include money and fine hand-woven mats ( usually for display only and then rolled and stored.... Ritual to guide them whist there on there journey of the dead is usually the main that... Care of family land are the keys to the deceased, even when all I to. Like monetary gifts and woven mats to problems for the viewing, but its also home to some unique and. Ave atu I se gagana lata mai slightly more informal than a singular belief was awesome dinners a. Alagaupu is that it comes from a story in someones village lol whoever. David for what he truly was strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible ancient,! Across the globe different level thanks to him, as we visit past! More meaningful lives 1 extra ) out of over 400 alagaupu that my grandfather collected over 400 alagaupu in notebook. Faaogasao, Faaogamaletonuor Tautuafiamatai and Faaogalemafaufau.. lol is not something that should be the New ruler of is. Translation lol, and there were 49,600 Samoan speakers in American Samoa, and there were speakers! One dies know he would have preferred to spend his weekend resting relaxing. To an end grandfathers api ( notebook ) full of alagaupu, 3 Mom Love. In Love with the best content possible Samoan speakers in Australia and hand-woven! 20 Messages to say goodbye to loved ones a challenge she didnt conquer shorter speeches our funeral roses are of...
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