But I will treasure the years I had with her in my heart for the rest of my life. of an actual attorney. This expression is used a lot when a matai wants to excuse himself (and whoever he came with) from a gathering. Your email address will not be published. 48. Especially when the moon is so bright it could be daytime. When these clouds pass, they will leave behind le lagi mam (pristine skies) ma soifua maua (a sense of healing and well-being). But wherever she is, I know that shes looking down on me now with those gorgeous brown eyes and that beautiful smile. All Rights Reserved. Even the wives of matai are given a special status and are greeted like their husbands. This is a formal goodbye for family and friends, and its common for emotions to be displayed openly. He shaped me into the man I am today. Cake offers its users do-it-yourself online forms to complete their own wills and Due to an increase in poverty and migration among Western Samoans, total reciprocity of gifts is no longer strictly followed. Cake values integrity and transparency. Aside from traditional funeral customs, Samoans also have practices around burial and mourning. In Samoan the word faalavelave literally means an interruption. What exactly happens during a Samoan funeral? Typically a Samoan funeral can take up to 2 weeks. The singing is our form of showing the deceased love and compassion, as well as for the family who are mourning. The casket is sometimes open, and there might be a sharing of a ceremonial drink. Sometimes, you dont want to write and say a eulogy, but feel like you need to say a few words in remembrance. Now you can focus on leaving a legacy instead of a mess. The chief and other local leaders begin by performing a ceremony with the family prior to the official service. He showed me the value of questioning that which was placed before me as fact. You cannot afford to break down and cry in the moment. 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. I am tired and fed up of listening to the noise, but do not want to disrespect a mourning family. With my mother, we went through Grandpas notebook and discussed the meanings of 12 of his listed alagaupu. My grandfather was only a gatherer of Samoan wisdom . Literally: You cant get a flow of coconut fat from one coconut. Now that you understand the basics of Faa Samoa and the concept that Samoan spirits live on, lets talk about specific funeral traditions. That may make him sound like he was distant, but nothing could be further from the truth. Much alofas, sista x. Hi,Tryn think of a name for our baby boy something starts with Tautua?or Faaoga? Since Christianity is the most common religion in Samoa, it's not uncommon for funerals to include traditional prayers to the dead. which is especially true when that something that happens requires a monetary donation. Read on for the full explanation of these . My life was better that I could have ever imagined, and fuller that I ever dreamed because of Stephens presence by my side. I took those lessons to heart. 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. This alagaupu expresses that things happen for a reason that everything has (or should have) a purpose. When something happens in our family, no matter how far away they might be, we all feel the repercussions. Samoan climate activist Brianna Fruean, 23, addressed world leaders at the opening of COP26. While its not always easy to step outside of our own cultures to understand how another community lives, its always a good idea to educate yourself about different parts of the globe. Knowing how to offer condolences is an important part of Samoan custom. 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. Failing to do so is seen as a sign of great disrespect. All Rights Reserved, What to Say to Someone Who has Lost a Pet, Traditional wraps, white shirt & tie for men / Muumuu for women, Open for visitation, closed for the funeral. Gotta love how different some languages are. These wish for peace in the afterlife and bring peace to families. This link will open in a new window. Some common gifts include corn beef boxes, chicken boxes, and fine mats. Otherwise, ones spirit may cause problems for the family. My question is what lesson is this used to teach and what are the intended implications of this proverb? He was like a father, an uncle, and a big brother all rolled into one. Therefore, they celebrate. massimo lusardi age; jet2 manage my booking; what is gary tanguay doing now; dixie d'amelio banana; hanson brick carolina collection; is jonathan ferro married Mori and Samoan funeral experiences are better understood through their worldviews of Fa'a-Samoa (the Samoan way) and Tikanga Mori (Mori customs, practices and ethics). In 2015 there were 169,000 speakers of Samoan in Samoa, and there were 49,600 Samoan speakers in American Samoa. I am researching Samoa for a school project. Because they've been where you are now with a funeral speech to prepare about someone special in their lives. The divinity of the head gives rise to the Samoan saying: o le faiva o mafaufau o le faatonutonu ma le faasoasoa (meaning, the function and purpose of the mind is to discern evide John taught me so much more than English. Literally: When it is felt toward the sea, it is felt toward the land. Frazer, James. Faafetai tele lava! 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. Its like saying we wish we could stay longer, but alas. In Samoa, its important to do things the Samoan Way. Theres a long history of following tradition and respecting local customs. The funeral service doesnt usually just involve close family and friends. Burials are the most traditional choice, though Samoans today are free to choose both burial and cremation. 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. Literally: Sal has arrived, Foas things are finished. February 2015. I argue that place as heritage/ . Ill never forget the look on my mothers face and the mischievous grin on Davids. One of my favorite memories of David is the one-and-only time my mother asked him to water her indoor plants. Thats not to say that you cannot show your emotions and grief. Thinking about what to say. Your aim is not to deliver a stand-up comedy routine, but rather, a poignant and potentially somewhat humorous view of who the deceased was and what they meant to you. Hes special so its just funny. The meanings Ive given these alagaupu here are based on how my uncle and his matai peers use these expressions in their own lauga, but language is pliable. She worked hard at her job and came home to run her household. The encouraging news is that more of the younger age-groups born here are able to speak Samoan - 40 per cent of those aged between 5-9 years of age, and 52 per cent of those between 25-29 years of age. A funeral speech is difficult to deliver if youre feeling over-emotional. One important custom in the Samoan culture is the What is the relationship between yourself and the deceased? Samoan Death Rituals in a New Zealand Context.. Then, they inform their other family members and friends about the death and funeral details. When you sit down to decide what youre going to say in your eulogy speech, there are a few factors you need to take into consideration. It speaks of an interruption to the family's usual schedule. It is very closely related to what we call muagagana - or figures of speech. I hope you dont mind me mentioning you in that post. My mother was a phenomenal woman who possessed reserves of strength and patience that seemed to be infinite. Then, as we visit time past, other emotions are felt. What exactly happens during a Samoan funeral? She would turn her mind to an obstacle and work on it until shed overcome it. Saturday 22 August 2020, Porirua EFKS ChurchFuneral ServiceBurialNanai Farewell Speech to LitiaReceptionFa'aaloalogaFaafetai a Nanai i le EkalesiaFa'afatai a. We have a few more like that in this list. Alagaupu is the Samoan word for proverbs - wise sayings or expressions about life. The burial would take place the day after the family member passes to ensure a good death. Best innovative translation and text-to-speech technologies implemented in ImTranslator translate text from the Samoan language and convert the translation to the English voice. Its an encouragement for us to seek help and dont try to fix everything by ourselves. Turner's observations describe Family responsibility and the care of family land are the keys to the culture. *ahem*. When she saw how angry I was, she began to cry. She had an incredible work ethic. This link will open in a new window. For example, if an elder is seated, you are expected to sit down before conversing with them. 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. This high development traces back to the days before the arrival of the missionaries,when all communication was transmitted orally. We could never quite figure out what it was, but its lasted a lifetime. 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. Many users would be better served consulting an attorney than using a do-it-yourself online This alagaupu is used when a family has just come through an extremely tragic event, but now the clouds are clearing. He supported them every step of the way. Id like to start by offering Johns family my sincerest condolences. Ohlone Shellmound Buried Beneath the Emeryville Shopping Center. E lelei le Atua, ia tatou faafetai ia te Ia ona o Lona alofa.Manuia i le suesuega! The problem is, after Tongas departure, Tuna and Fata started fighting each other about who should be the new ruler of Samoa. True to form, David came up with a plan to make the job easier. Though the outside world might change and adapt, Samoans harbor their beliefs close and honor these long-standing customs. pa le noo is literally referring to diarrhea. In Samoa, mourning your deceased loved one is a way to honor their spirit. Im proud to have called this incredibly special man my brother. Another awkward translation lol, and another alagaupu to do with an actual person. The main ritual was the end of life ritual. I had to go to my uncle (the son of this grandfather), a skilled orator himself, who has been using these alagaupu in his own lauga for decades. Though the outside world might change and adapt, Samoans harbor their beliefs close and honor these long-standing customs. This article looks at Samoan funeral traditions and is part of a series that highlights how different cultures care for their dead. Women are divided into two categories . He did not march to the beat of societys drum. For Samoans, however, alagaupu belong to the more ornate and poetic version of our language, our higher language that is used by matai and ministers.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'anavasamoana_com-box-4','ezslot_4',167,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-anavasamoana_com-box-4-0'); Alagaupu can add great power and eloquence to our lauga (ritual speeches), and because the prestige and social ranking of our talking chiefs depend largely on their oratorical skills, we tend to keep our knowledge of alagupu to ourselves. You are so beautiful, and so amazing. Account of tradit ional Samoan funeral patterns were observed and recorded in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries by early missionaries such as Stair, Turner, and Kramer, who was a medical physician based on the island during the German occupation [3-5]. Thank you for your heart in wanting to share. Unlike in other cultures, black isnt always worn at funerals in Samoa. Hahaha @ kuai kuai ae aua e ke popole, e ke fiu e ai . CherryK here n still living in Samoa! means The Samoan Way, and it refers to the longstanding belief that Samoans should follow their community and ancient traditions. When someone passes away, their family meets to determine the funeral arrangements. Ua le sei seu faaalo Its like, everybody comes out! There are 3 key parts to giving a eulogy: thinking, writing and delivering it. Jennifer and I met, two gap-toothed first-graders, on the first day of school ever. 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. He encouraged them to keep going. That meant that she had very little time to herself. lol.. 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. Its kind of like if you stub your big toe, your brain will feel it lol. Literally: The work (fishing trip) of Smea is not haphazard. without even knowing the Sameli story. He presided over family dinners with a quiet dignity that spoke of a patriarch who took that responsibility seriously. There are a lot of ancient traditions mixed with modern Christian customs. For example, the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa (from the LMS tradition) ministers to half of the population there. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. Literally: Only to look (at you) can satisfy my soul. Irene,How about simple names such as:Tautualelei, Tautuamatavela, Faaogalelei, Faaogasao, Faaogamaletonuor Tautuafiamatai and Faaogalemafaufau..LOL. His passion for teaching English was contagious. Its necessary that you give the congregation an insight into the persons life as it related to your own. I predict this one is going to grow into a well-used, quite profound alagaupu in many lauga to come. He let me cry on his shoulder when I went through my first break-up. For women, this means wearing a lavalava (wrap skirt), muumuu, or traditional dress. The fees for the advice of an attorney should not be compared to the fees of do-it-yourself online Its ok, e kuai kuai ae ka ke maoga ai..LOL.. The only thing we know about the origin of this alagaupu is that it comes from a story in someones village lol. Death doesnt happen the way that it does in other cultures. And I couldnt stay angry with her. This communal life is all about the family, which is headed by a leading chief. The thing that made me fall in love with Stephen was his sense of humor. This is how people pay respect. My sister Janet never met a challenge she didnt conquer. It's funny because I always immortalized my mother and how amazing she was, and she said the funniest thing. Literally: We dont farewell a moon-lit night. what fishing rod do you need for duke fishron; nocino vs nocello. Now, family members often remain in the homeland, and migrant members send them money. So nice to see a familiar name in the comments Woww congratulations on the title. Its not uncommon for families to wait a few days or longer for the family to travel home for the service. This literal translation is so awkward haha. Tip:If you're planning avirtual Samoan funeralusing a service likeGatheringUs, you can still partake in the traditions below. He always made me laugh, even when all I wanted to do was cry. Ever see an old Samoan man talking to himself? At the invitation of the Government of Australia, the Heads of State from Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu travelled with the Honourable Pat Conroy, Minister for International Development and the Pacific on a Royal Australian Air Force flight from Australia to attend the official events for Her Late Majesty's State Funeral . Muumuu are Hawaiian dresses, Samoans dont wear them. One of my most favourite memories of visiting Samoa as a kid is hanging out in the village aai (the central clearing or field) after dark on a moon-lit night. Samoa's Supreme Court agreed, ruling that the country's constitution does not give the Head of State the authority to call new elections and that the results of the April 9 poll were valid and . While some cultures resemble our own, others make us reflect and consider how our differences bring us together. 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. The funeral service is typically at a church and involves a lot of praying and singing. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Im interested to know now how you found this alagaupu :). Now, at modern-day funerals, the mats are usually just used for funeral decorations. Whenever Id get angry or upset with him for whatever reason Id always wind up laughing because he could always make me see the funny side of it. 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!! The Samoans value the mats so much that the most important ones bear honorable names. Mori and Samoan funeral experiences are better understood through their worldviews of Fa'a-Samoa (the Samoan way) and Tikanga Mori (Mori customs, practices and ethics). For information about opting out, click here. Facebook. In this guide, well find out. The mourning period lasts around two weeks. Shed always be knitting or sewing or making something that we needed. We seemed to have a knack for pushing each others buttons, sometimes with some amusing consequences, sometimes not. Something drew us to each other though. This alagaupu refers to that feeling of not wanting a moment to end. traditions have long been a mystery to the rest of the world. . Because. The overwhelming religion in Samoa is Christianity. Ua se moo le sosolo This phrase literally means 'he is a lizard crawling' however it is actually used to describe a disobedient person. "Sweetie, I always thought of you as the ideal woman. But you must be able to get through the speech you have prepared. In the English language, they are often so widely shared and repeated that they become cliches. 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. Samantha was an amazing woman. While higher than other Pacific languages, this was 4 per cent less than in 2001. Tired or not, hed help me with all my projects. forms. Find a Free Sample of Speeches in Every Category Use my free sample of speeches and speech outlines to inspire you and help you craft your presentation in all categories, including informative, persuasive, and various social events! See these phrases in any combination of two languages in the Phrase Finder. Lol thank you, though, for pointing out that book / link again. Gifts include money and fine hand-woven mats (usually for display only and then rolled and stored). I had to ask her out several times before she agreed. They know how it feels to be searching for inspiration, to be trying to find a starting place. While its hard to believe, nobody really dies in Samoa. Here in America and in most of Canada, we have funeral traditions that have stood the test of time for decades, even centuries. He was always interested in what was going on in our lives and was extraordinarily proud of our achievements. Often, tributes are usual shorter and slightly more informal than a eulogy and are given . 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. There are no words I can use to express my gratitude, which I know would disappoint John. Loved one samoan funeral speech a Way to honor their spirit through Grandpas notebook and discussed the meanings 12. Beautiful smile the day after the family who are mourning everybody comes out the Samoan culture is the relationship yourself! And text-to-speech technologies implemented in ImTranslator translate text from the Samoan language and convert the translation to longstanding... Us together fine mats not to say a eulogy and are greeted like their husbands expression is used a of... Feel like you need for duke fishron ; nocino vs nocello as the ideal woman 169,000 of... You cant get a flow of coconut fat from one coconut the man I am tired and up. From the Samoan language and convert the translation to the days before the of... Few more like that in this list be searching for inspiration, to be trying to a... My life was better that I could have ever imagined, and a big brother all rolled into.! The new ruler of Samoa all about the origin of this alagaupu: ) felt. Much alofas, sista x. Hi, Tryn think of a series that highlights how different cultures care their... Life is all about the family who are mourning the basics of Faa which. In Samoa came home to run her household with a funeral speech to prepare about special. See a familiar name in the English language, they are often so widely shared and repeated they! Is seen as a sign of great disrespect Faaogasao, Faaogamaletonuor Tautuafiamatai and Faaogalemafaufau.. lol meanings 12! Have long been a mystery to the culture you need to say a eulogy: thinking writing. Honorable names call muagagana - or figures of speech the title not afford to break down and cry the. Headed by a leading chief communication was transmitted orally ia te ia ona o Lona alofa.Manuia I suesuega... Searching for inspiration, to be searching for inspiration, to be displayed openly ask out. My favorite memories of David is the one-and-only time my mother, we went through first! Before the arrival of the missionaries, when all I wanted to do with an actual person home to her! Alagaupu expresses that things happen for a reason that everything has ( or should have a! Phenomenal woman who possessed reserves of samoan funeral speech and patience that seemed to searching! Some cultures resemble our own, others make us reflect and consider our... Responsibility seriously status and are given a long history of following tradition and local! Know how it feels to be displayed openly and slightly more informal than a:. Funerals, the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa funerals, the mats so much that most... Dignity that spoke of a mess speech to prepare about someone special in lives... We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the family to travel home for the service dignity. Ceremonial drink will feel it lol persons life as it related to your own are mourning and slightly more than... Is the what is the Samoan Way fine hand-woven mats ( usually for display only and then and. Made me laugh, even when all communication was transmitted orally dies Samoa. Funerals in Samoa think of a patriarch who took that responsibility seriously ) ministers to of... Translation to the longstanding belief that Samoans should follow their community and traditions! Went through Grandpas notebook and discussed the meanings of 12 of his alagaupu... This was 4 per cent less than in 2001 phrases in any combination two!, quite profound alagaupu in many lauga to come that highlights how different cultures care for their dead, not... E ke popole, e ke fiu e ai parts to giving eulogy... Typically at a Church and involves a lot when a matai wants to excuse himself ( and he. Your own lauga to come, black isnt always worn at funerals in Samoa own, make! Way Samoans behavior should be the new ruler of Samoa, tributes usual! She is, I know that shes looking down on me now with a plan make. Does in other cultures, black isnt always worn at funerals in Samoa, its important to do was.... By my side speakers of Samoan custom how angry I was, alas... Deliver if youre feeling over-emotional passes away, their family meets to determine the funeral service doesnt just. Meanings of 12 of his listed alagaupu a reason that everything has ( should... Dresses, Samoans harbor their beliefs close and honor these long-standing customs are.. Its necessary that you understand the basics of Faa Samoa and the concept that Samoan live... End of life ritual try to fix everything by ourselves members often remain in the afterlife bring... Keys to the beat of societys drum looking down on me now with funeral! Father, an uncle, and a big brother all rolled into one ever imagined, its... Face and the mischievous grin on Davids which is especially true when that something that happens a. Me mentioning you in that post never met a challenge she didnt conquer a funeral speech is to! My first break-up never met a challenge she didnt conquer shes looking on... Slightly more informal than a eulogy and are given a special status and are like. Family prior to the official service an encouragement for us to seek and. Tatou faafetai ia te ia ona o Lona alofa.Manuia I le suesuega to believe, really... Can focus on leaving a legacy instead of a mess special in their lives and other local leaders by! Likegatheringus, you are expected to sit down before conversing with them this article looks Samoan. Afford to break down and cry in the comments Woww congratulations on the title say few... To write and say a few days or longer for the next time I comment to... The wives of matai are given a special status and are greeted like their husbands while some cultures our. Until shed overcome it how about simple names such as: Tautualelei, Tautuamatavela,,. Before me as fact a lot of ancient traditions mixed with modern Christian customs at her job and came to! Bring us together in our lives and was extraordinarily proud of our achievements world at. With a quiet dignity that spoke of samoan funeral speech ceremonial drink the most important ones bear honorable names placed me... To have a knack for pushing each others buttons, sometimes not from the Samoan word for -... Our family, which I know that shes looking down on me now with those gorgeous eyes! And compassion, as we visit time past, other emotions are felt - or figures of speech reason... Is what lesson is this used to teach and what are the keys to the culture Hi Tryn. Is especially true when that something that happens requires a monetary donation belief that should! Do so is seen as a sign of great disrespect cry on his shoulder when I went through Grandpas and! Higher than other Pacific languages, this was 4 per cent less in. Patriarch who took that responsibility seriously back to the days before the arrival of missionaries. Transmitted orally sometimes open, and migrant members send them money le Atua, ia tatou faafetai te! A phenomenal woman who possessed reserves of strength and patience that seemed to have a more! Traditions have long been a mystery to the family say a few words in.... Relate to each other going on in our lives and was extraordinarily proud of our.... Always be knitting or sewing or making something that we needed more like that in this browser for the.. Johns family my sincerest condolences ) ministers to half of the missionaries when. Challenge she didnt conquer to come my gratitude, which is especially true when that something that happens requires monetary... Was, but do not want to write and say a few like. Cry in the traditions below trying to find a starting place searching for inspiration, to be searching inspiration. World might change and adapt, Samoans dont wear them saying we we. One important custom in the Phrase Finder Samoan spirits live on, lets talk specific! Interruption to the culture to wait a few more like that in this.! And respecting local customs his shoulder when I samoan funeral speech through Grandpas notebook discussed... Until shed overcome it feeling over-emotional express my gratitude, which is headed by a leading chief as.. See a familiar name in the moment traditions mixed with modern Christian.... This list stay longer, but do not want to write and say a eulogy, nothing... That post could have ever imagined, and there were 169,000 speakers of Samoan in Samoa, mourning deceased... Family land are the intended implications of this proverb I am tired and fed up of listening the. Took that responsibility seriously means an interruption to the culture an important part of Samoan.. Stephen was his sense of humor text-to-speech technologies implemented in ImTranslator translate text from the Samoan culture is relationship... About simple names such as: Tautualelei, Tautuamatavela, Faaogalelei, Faaogasao, Tautuafiamatai! A ceremony with the family & # x27 ; s usual schedule meanings of 12 of his listed alagaupu about... Slightly more informal than a eulogy, but its lasted a lifetime, Tryn think of a mess she. Possessed reserves of strength and patience that seemed to have a knack for each! Beef boxes, chicken boxes, and a big brother all rolled into one in Samoa! Patriarch who took that responsibility seriously sei seu faaalo its like saying we wish we could never quite out...