176. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ). 6. See more ideas about samoan quotes, samoan, proverbs. Some manutagi have the bad habit of driving the wild birds out of the cage before the hunter has had time to catch them. Upu faifai. 16. The eels rushed the people and started to devour them. Rebuke for relatives, friends and neighbours who are quarrelsome and trying to harm one another. - 152 The front entrance was used by those who came with a request. 130. Se'i-loga o ni mea lelei tou te 'a'ai ai, e le tavai manu uli? It is particularly used in a salutatory speech: O le pule o le Atua ua mafai ai ona tatou fesilafa'i i le aso nei, aua e ui ina va i fale ve'a o lo tatou soifuaga, 'ae pule lava le Atua i lo tatou soifua. Because open caskets are common at the funeral, this is still the most common choice in Samoa today. Traditionally, it was important for the family to bury the body within a day of death. The burial would take place the day after the family member passes to ensure a good death. Tuamafa is an old pigeon, the leader of the flock. Mutia is a short kind of grass found on much-used roads. Its inhabitants had the reputation of avoiding all waste when fishing. Those who heeded not his summons, he henceforth refused to recognize as members of his family. 17. Upu vivi'i: A figure of speech for speed.. The captured birds will be killed; the decoy birds will be given rest. Ua maefulu le tava'e. Muniao (la'au fa'alava) is a transverse piece of wood placed across the net to keep it properly stretched. Its used to describe someone who has no fixed abode. Not so long ago there was a village there, whose people are now living in Falevai, a fuaiala (section) of Falelatai. Fetu'una'i muniao. Upu fa'aaloalo used when a matai has died and his title has at once been given to his successor. Ua mua ane lava se fale. Mocking words referring to common people who begin to eat before the high chiefs, and to similar cases. The joy of the welcome was like that with which the birds greet the dawn. O le vaivai o le fee. Ia ifo le fuiniu i le lapalapa. 154. Samoan Gather the breadfruit from the farthest branches first. Upu fa'amafanafana referring to a disunited family or village community whose reconciliation is at hand. The busybody's pretended wisdom, therefore, will be of no avail. The following are the principal game birds: the lupe (pigeon), the manutagi (a small species of pigeon), the manuali'i, the ve'a (swamphen), the tava'e (tropic bird), the gogo and some other sea birds. Lavalima refers to the Samoan sinnet and signifies the progress made in plaiting it; it also refers to the work of the carpenter who winds the string around the rafters as a substitute for nails. Upu fa'alumaluma referring to profitless labour. As soon as the fisherman appears, the fish will escape into deep water where it can no longer be caught. This pictures a fisher who sits in his boat on a dark night and is startled by the sudden appearance of a shark. Se'i to le niu i le tua'oi. 187. Like an uprooted puou. The catching place is full of decoy pigeons. If it is used in the first sense, Pratt's translation is correct and the figure is taken from the method of fishing - 164 known as alafaga (Nos. According to Kraemer the carpenter first daubs the plank with vali, a mixture of earth or lega (turmeric) with water. Image: Facebook The cure of the alamea. Upu fa'aalualu: Do the most difficult things first. 31. The papata crab has not yet smacked her lips, i.e., has had nothing to eat yet. This often miscarries. Since the spread of Christianity the saying refers to the repose of the soul after death. Upu fa'anoanoa: Man is mortal. of tautai) advances an opinion regarding fishing or navigation, he receives the answer: O le va'ai a le tauta. 33. "All Upu fa'amaulalo, fa'anoanoa or alofa referring to a person who has neither home nor family. The saying is used when some person meets with some unexpected fortune while his thoughts and actions were directed to something else. This phrase is used to describe someone whos will is stronger than their body. The following morning the fisher embarks in his canoe, unties the hooks, and fastens the line of one to his right leg and the other to his left leg. He who wrongs one threatens many. Death is a reminder that our lives are finite. Temeteme is the spindle of the drill with the drill plate. There the instruments remain together, one knowing the other. 167. Because of its small size the igaga was not invited to the meeting. The plaiting of mats is exclusively the women's business. One day the boys went fishing for their father. 71. Ua le fa'asino pu, le tautu'u palapala. ", "God is closest to those with broken hearts. These are used often in day to day life. Fa'alupe tupola. This is the u ta'afale. ", "Everything revolves around bread and death. This is said by a person when Samoan custom requires him to give away some valuable object, such as a pig or a fine mat. (LogOut/ At torch fishing an aitu appeared on either hand. Ua fa'atagito'a. In Manono the lo appears so often that it is paid for with lo. Remarks of translator: 1. Like a fish, one should look for a hole in the net. Samoan The person who has burned their fingers often asks for tongs. Proverbial Expressions of the Samoans 177 Ua logo sese(ese fa'amea vilivili. To drill holes that do not meet. A council meeting in which no decision is reached. 158. E le se tunuma ma moe fa'atasi. It is not like a I shouldn't say fat, that might offend him, but he's Samoan and claims to have seen ghosts. 152. An incautious person will be surprised by his enemy. If you have to form a resolution, do not revolve the matter in your own mind only, but discuss it with others. A tame pigeon having strayed or escaped from its master and failed to find its usual resting place, will sit on the pola of the first house it finds. Tau ina iloa ia i'a. The heaviest object, i.e., the house, is carried by the strongest fellowthe Cinderellawho has to do all the heavy work. A sickly old man. Upu faifai referring to a person who feigns love and affection. The Samoans maintain that if the parents were left undisturbed, they would remain with their young and allow themselves to starve to death. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. ", "Who is old and doesn't believe it, will trip into his grave without seeing it. The saying means, not to reveal a certain matter, such as the commission of an injustice. He who has a fine fish-hook should not nervously hide it, but allow others to see and admire it; else, he could not proclaim its eventual loss, for the people would say that since they have never seen the hook, his boastful words are meaningless. The fibre being too short, she lengthened it with polata (fibre from the midrib of the banana leaf). Used of a weak, sickly old man. Thus says a person who has not been invited to express his opinion at a council meeting. The tulavae is a portion of the fish net made by one person, as explained in No. Ua se temeteme. During his absence a strange chief came along and put up at the big house. 142. Having foolishly got into trouble he is asking for help. Not a pigeon is cooing. Upu fa'alumaluma: To the u ta'afale we compare a person who meddles in all kinds of things and thereby causes discord, particularly a tale-bearer. The deck of the large double canoe is roomy and able to carry heavy loads. Ua tuliloa le atu a le sa'u. The Samoan arrows had one or more prongs. The string (to which the decoy pigeon is tied) is entangled. The Samoans say that the greedy heron eats all the fish it catches and brings nothing to its family. 4. Here are some examples: Notice the structure of the Phrases in Samoan. 4. More Samoan Proverbs: You shake in vain the branch that bears no fruit. Nevertheless, Ulumu could not help protesting against his opponent's unsportsmanlike behaviour, but the latter tried to sooth him with the words: Sau ia, ia e fa'amolemole. For the next harvest the old lou will be fetched again or a new one will be made. Utu is the bamboo receptacle in which the hooks are kept. Ua taulua i le tuga. The latter was just returning from fishing. Euphemisms for Dead, Death, and Dying: Are They Helpful or Harmful? In 1830, representatives arrived from London Missionary Society (LMS). 126). 21. When day broke the latter saw that his plan had miscarried. The work, called milota'i, is usually done by the women. Ua penapena i tua o tai i'a. 171. Ua aliali le va'ava'a o le tava'e. This phrase literally means he is a lizard crawling however it is actually used to describe a disobedient person. Inspirational Samoan Quotes & Sayings. Traditionally, Samoans believed in dying at home and being buried the day after death to prevent the spirit from causing any trouble or misfortune for their family, It is used for colouring siapo (tapa). Viewing tears as cleansing, and receiving the sympathy of others, can be healing during times like this. O le faiva 'ese lo Pepe. The wider meaning of the saying is: To stand up for a friend or relative, to help him bear his misfortune, to forgive and cover up his mistakes. ". Thus, there is a lou for every harvest. With a thread pulled through the young birds nostrils, he tied up the fledgeling's bill in such a way that it was still able to cry but not to swallow. Below Ive listed famous Samoan quotes, common Samoan proverbs and inspiring Samoan sayings as well as their meanings in English. 106. (LogOut/ The stroke of the mallet miscarries because the workman looks away. ", "What soap is for the body, tears are for the soul. Let each one smooth his part of the boat. The peaceful demonstration erupted into violence when the NZ military police opened fire on the marchers. Samoan Blessed is the moon; it goes but it comes back again. O le fili va i fale. Experts may use their hands only to catch small octopi; but the correct and most efficient method is fishing with the help of the sao. So'o le fau ma le fau. ", "Only love gives us the taste of eternity. When the plant sprouts once more, the tuber can still be used; but as soon as it has new leaves, the tuber becomes uneatable. ", "The ugliest life is better than the nicest death. 125. E sao mai i Amouta ai tali le Amotai, fai foi o lea, a o le toe aso i Moamoa. He is like an arrow that lies about in the house. The omnipotent God as brought us together today, for although we are living close together it is He who rules our lives. Applied to petty quarrels between families which are not of a political character and do not threaten the general peace of the community. 110. These proverbs may help: Another way to honor a lost loved one is by making a donation to a cause they supported. Dale is an experienced fact-checker and researcher with a Master of Science in Journalism from Columbia University, Graduate School of Journalism. Check out the video below which features a range of famous Samoan quotes and well-known Samoan sayings & proverbs. 124. 0 le pa ua sala le fausaga. Ufiufi manu gase. A couple of white pearl shell fish-hooks. Before the introduction of firearms, this bird was caught in the following way: The hunter searched for a nest with young and climbed up to it. ", "The whole world is a dream, and death the interpreter. At other times, it may help those who are coping with a strained relationship with the loved one. Choose your words wisely, allowing the person to grieve in their own time. 94. You don't love someone because they're a dream of perfection. Fa'aui lau lavea. E le'i iloa i Saua; e le iloa i le fa'alagamaea. When a number of matai turn out for a common fishing expedition (alafaga), each canoe must keep its place and be steered properly, lest the fishing lines get tangled. "One is certain only of death." The mago escaped through a side opening. Like the tip of the pandanus leaf. One single deck. Apia is the only city in Samoa and falls within the political district of Tuamasaga. Ua sili mea le seuga. The true meaning is that you should do the most difficult task first. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. 126. While the fisherman swings the rod, the others must assist him by paddling hard. Ua to i lologamata. Ua sa'a i le tai le upega o Pili. 187. Malu i puega. This is used of someone who tries to prevent or settle a dispute. 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. See you later. The Samoan fish-hook consists of a longish shaft of polished pearl shell, pa, and a hook made of tortoise shell, maga. First friends, then broken heads. Ia oloolo pitova'a. IN the field of rhetoric the Samoans have shown both skill and artistry. Try the fish line first on land. Having foolishly got into trouble he is asking for help. After the harvest the pole will be laid aside or thrown away. Many of these have hidden meanings. The Polynesian drill, on which the saying is based, must be considered as an entity, the plate having as much to do with the work as the drill itself. 5. Upu fa'amaulalo. 164. 82. 6. 176. Directly applied to a long meeting and indirectly, to any other performance that takes a long time. Samoan A decision made at night may be changed in the morning. The Tulafales Role: Samoan Oratorial Traditions for Death and 'Ai la'ai fa'avalo. We may also use affiliate links for other programmes. Have patience and forgive those that trespass against you. A fishing expedition may have no success, but a suspicion usually has some ground for it. A white tern that is so proud of its glossy plumage that it will not associate with darker birds. E a sipa le lama, 'ae fano malolo. The saying means: I have the right to take part in the discussion. The offspring of birds are fed with flower nectar, but the children of men are nurtured with words. Mounting anger over the weekend reporting of the death of a Samoan transwoman in Apia has spilled over into New Zealand with prominent transrights campaigner Phylesha Brown-Acton saying the Samoa Observers coverage has left her absolutely disgusted, reports Gay NZ. Once upon a time there was an aitu (devil, spirit) who had the form of a trumpet shell (Triton shell, pu, foafoa) and ate men. The pigeons are scattered in the bush to look for food, to mate, etc. 145. Samoan The careless fish will be eaten by the shark. Like a ti plantation that never dies. An admonition to live in peace and harmony. When the girls grumbled because the anticipated tit-bits failed to appear, Pili soothed them with the words: O le upega e tautau, 'ae fagota. CM Punk. 2. See you tomorrow. Here are some rules, or Proverbs, in which someone in the Samoan culture has to follow to be accepted and take part in their culture. 10. As he was rejected, he died of grief. In vain rejoices the drill plate when the drill point is broken. Ua se aga e tasi. Ia uluulu matafolau. 14. Na o Neiafu na mele ai le to'elau. Do not fish with the stick. 151. It is not like a container in which the tattooing instruments are sleeping together. Upu faifai applied to a restless person or a chatterbox. Lefao's pigeons are counted (i.e., the contest is ended; I am the victor). To keep up friendly relations with one's neighbour. The round ends are now temporarily tied with ropes (tautala) to the middle portion and the carpenter examines whether the house is standing straight. Pratt translates: Better have a small plantation of your own, than be joined with another. Upu vivi'i referring to a village that boasts of many experienced orators. It is like the fishing of the heron. "We need a shower," Raphael said. O le io i mata o le tama o le teine The pupil of the brothers eye is his sister. A new boat was smoothed with pieces of coral, each workman being assigned to a particular part of the boat. O le gase a ala lalovao. When a crab is caught it is pierced with its own leg. As a request: Ia e alofa, ia e ufiufi manu gase. Used when refering to a small but influential village or family. (Samoan Proverb) The knee So it is with governmental power. The death of the head of the family, on the other hand, is considered a great loss. Avetu ni lo, aumai ni lo. The fishermen said Ua tagi le pu ina ua maua i le upega, o le a mate. (The pu cries because it is caught in the net where it will die.). 3. When a ti plantation has been abandoned, the plants are not choked by the weeds but will grow up again as soon as the weeds are removed. O lenei lava le ufiufi manu gase. 177. Pepe tried to catch it. 181. At last her brother returned, but he had caught nothing. (See also the following.). Upu faifai applied to a community (family, village, district) composed of many but unimportant individuals. When the Matala'oa people go fishing, they fish and wrap up. Home | About Us | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service Copyright 2023 Funeralwise, LLC. The importance of mats harkens back to when they served as the currency of the Samoan people. Your email address will not be published. Anything they caught was carefully wrapped up and at once sent to the village. Go and look in the fishermen's houses. Upu fa'amaulalo: respect and courtesy in the form of self-abasement. ", "He who comes for the inheritance is often made to pay for the funeral. ", "There is no one who can jump so high as to escape death. Mocking words referring to loveless, undutiful parents. O le i'a a vai malo. Va i lupe maua. E gase le pa'a i lona vae. May the pearl shell fish-hook never be lost before it has been shown to others. 55. Upu fa'anoanoa or alofa: An undertaking miscarries through the negligence of one of the participants. O le lupe na fa'ia mai i le fuifui. O le malu i fale'ulu. If it is approached from behind, it will fly off. The sting of the alamea may be cured by turning over the animal and allowing it to suck out the spines. A careless person will be taken by surprise by his watchful enemy. 169. Ua sasagi fua le livaliva, 'a ua gau le matavana. The fault was committed in the bush, but it is now talked about on the highway. Upu fa'alumaluma applied to a fop or a dandy who only thinks of grooming himself and is useless for serious things, such as war. In the war between the birds and the fishes (No. Se'i toto le ta'amu te'evao. E gase le paa i lona vae. Upu faifai. To'ai fa'a i'a a po. In other societies, death is regarded as a specter no one talks about. A fourth arrow for emergencies lies behind the hunter and may be shot in any direction. 4 > Proverbial expressions of the Samoans, by E. Schultz, p 139-184. To hang up the paddle (after a fishing expedition). This high development traces back to the days before the arrival of the missionaries,when all communication was transmitted orally. Patupatu amo fale. Nalayeh H. Addressing the cultural, spiritual and religious perspectives of palliative care. The sting-ray (fai) has a sharp barbed spine in its tail with which it can inflict severe wounds. 103. 123). Some were destroyed by the eels, others by Pagoa. 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. Like a bird caught in its nest. Everyone grieves differently and for different periods of time. The neck of land is now called Tiapepe. The ufu sleeps; the paipai sits calmly by. 122. The denial of the fisherman. Don't be overhasty. Gather the breadfruit from the farthest branches first. 116. When two men are in partnership, they must be of one mind. One good turn deserves another. Upu fa'aalualu: When you see an advantage, turn it to good account. Whos responsibility is it to have this be done? All endeavours to effect a reconciliation prove in vain. Upu fa'aaloalo. Used by a person to show that he intends acting on his own responsibility and will not allow anyone to deter him from his goal. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Even European building material is rarely used in the construction of native houses. E lele le toloa ae maau i le auvai The toloa bird On the coast near Asu the shark crept into a submarine cave. Sometimes a bit of humor can be a blessing during deep grief. Samoan May it end with threats and not come to blows. He will say to the tautai: Fa'amolomole, o lo'u va'a o le va'a si'i vale, au ou sau lava i lo'u fia fagota, i.e., I beg your pardon; I have launched my canoe without a good excuse; I have come to help you. This is the code that provides for the systems of chiefs that lead Samoan families. Upu fa'alumaluma referring to a matai who has no vote in the village or family council and who yet insists on giving instructions and advice which everyone will ignore. Take down the huts and put everything away. The figure is taken from the work of the boatbuilder setting a plank. Ua tagi a pu mate. O le lamaga ua fa'atau aitu. The leaves of the pandanus, used for making the mats called fala, have a few spines at the tip. E atagia taga tafili. 26. 193. ", "The only truly dead are those who have been forgotten. Upu fa'anoanoa. E ta'ape a fatuati. Upu fa'anoanoa. This is called: Va lelei. The glare of her torch unexpectedly attracted a large number of flying fish that fell into the canoe although it was not flying fish she wanted but a different kind. Verywell Health content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. She then related what she had seen. Fa'alagamaea is a figure of speech for a trial trip during which the sails and the rigging will be wetted. Si'i le matalalaga. A fai 'ea a'u mou titi se'ese'e? This was the original meaning of the proverb. However, as my opinion may be of some value to you, I will express it and, at the same time, beg your pardon for my tactless interference. Upu fa'anoanoa or alofa used when one is pursued by misfortune. Each had born him a son. To give lo and to receive lo. However, another aitu named Pagoa was lurking there and ate up those who had escaped the eels. Shall I become your working girdle? The visitor, too, may use the words but in a negative sense: Ou te le to'ai fa'a i'a a po, i.e., I do not come secretly like a fish in the night, but I am here to meet you all, to converse with you, to tell you my wishes. 15. Ia fua le niu. Upu fa'anoanoa or alofa or faifai referring to a person who has come to harm through his own fault or that of a relative or friend. The shade of the high trees in the forest will not allow the weeds to come up and the path is always visible. Hawaiian Funeral Songs and Chants Though words can never fully express how much someone means to us, language can still provide comfort, solace, hope, and even inspiration following the death of a loved one. Refers to a man who always speaks of building a house, but has neither the energy nor the means to do so. The hermit crab often wanders inland. The ise (garfish) is caught by torch light with a hoop-net. (See below.). 131. In wet soil taro thrives particularly well; it is, therefore, whenever possible, raised in a swamp. Entering the house, he poured the fish in front of his guest. It is also used as an upu fa'amaulalo: Fa'amolemole, ai a'u nei ua ou le seu fa'aalo. This method of fishing is known as seu. With people it is different. The tropic bird's breastbone is visible. The Samoans maintain that if the parents were left undisturbed, they would remain with their young and allow themselves to starve to death. You have to be a gentleman everywhere but on the field. Someone who comes to grief as a result of their own actions. It means the palolo was gone by the time the people reached the reef. The tying is done on the evening before the fishing expedition. He then fits it in place and with his wooden mallet (tafao) hammers it down, his assistant holding it. Upu faifai. A hunter who catches many pigeons rejoices in his shelter. These words echo those feelings: To those who are grieving, the words "moving on" can seem hurtful if you are not careful, implying that it's time to stop grieving and "let go" of their loved one. Fetuia'i fa'afaga a 'apoa. O le upega tautau, ae fagota. 25. The hunting implements are hung up. A pair of coconut trees, one of which is full of maggots. (Kraemer II, 416, says the unavau is the poisonous stage of the pelupelu.) We have rested on many trees on our way hither. O le sapatu motu pa. Words of encouragement: Let us die together. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal. Unknown . 5. (2) Howsoever cleverly a thing may be concealed, it will come to light at last. The city is located on the central north coast of Upolu, Samoas second largest island. Apr 8, 2019 - Explore Sam P's board "Samoan quotes" on Pinterest. When the fisherman has caught a crab, he pulls out its leg and with it pierces the animal. Fatu'ulu. 111. He who falls off a high coconut tree will sustain some hurt; to fall off a small tree (niu muli) is not dangerous. This phrase literally means pick the breadfruits on the far-off branches first. A tulituliloa 'ua o le mago i Foa? Here are some humorous words that may help: Knowing when not to speak following a death is as important as knowing when to speak. The softness of the octopus. Ua sanisani fa'amanuao. If they work in common, one will rely on the other and nothing is done. Samoa, arise and raise your flag, your crown! Should things take an unfavourable turn, they will then be willing to help you (just as he who is familiar with a fine fish-hook, is able to find a similar one). Copyright 2023 Funeralwise, LLC. This Samoan quote is used when a beloved chief dies. 34. The aitu tried hard to free himself and the fishermen feared he would tear the net. Applied to a thing done so hurriedly that order and care suffer; for instance, a hurried journey in which things are forgotten. Also, upu faifai. The fish seems to do the will of the tautai (chief fisherman). The fuga has soft dorsal fins; the maono, hard and spiny ones. An old childless couple of Neiafu were gathering dry coconut leaves (material for lighting and cooking). They appeared not in Saua; they appeared not at the drying of the rigging. The middle portion of the roof and the round ends are then carried to their new emplacement. 137. The side entrance had a different purpose. After the catch, the net is carried ashore and hung up. When a crab is caught it is pierced with its own leg. The igaga is only a tiny fish. Required fields are marked *, CALL: (415) 431-3717Hours: 9AM-5PM PST. You shake in vain the branch that has no fruit. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travelers.. Samoa ; Hotels ; Things to do ; Restaurants ; Flights ; Vacation Rentals ; Vacation Packages The space between the huts at the ve'a hunt. Thus, two families or two villages may live in close proximity and yet be far removed one from the other through lack of kinship. To drill holes that do not meet. O le i'a a tautai e alu i le fa'alolo. Introduction: The two principal objects at the use of the Samoan are his house and his boat. Fa'a'ulu toli i gaoa. Upu fa'aalualu referring to the frequency of the Samoan civil wars. Birds were caught either with a hoop-net or in a cage in whose open top the decoy bird (manutagi) was fettered. Saying "hello" is as simple as ml in an informal setting. In the form of E te seu foga'afa, it is an upu faifai addressed to another who has caused an interruption in a fono without apologizing with an upu fa'amaulalo. 190. La'ulu is the name of a reef near Falealupo, very rich in fish. Upu taofiofi. The feathers of certain birds, e.g., the tavae or tropic bird, are attached to the fish-hook to serve as artificial bait. It is also used jestingly at the preparation of food or kava, when the portion set aside is likely to prove insufficient and the whole available supply had better be used. Ou te se tagata tau suati. However, if there were but few nuts available, only the valuable white birds got coconut milk; the common dark or speckled birds had to content themselves with water. During his lifetime a person frequently changes his abode, but when he is about to die he remembers his birth-place and his family and returns there to await the end. O le pa ua sala i le maga. According to Kraemer the hunters climb the rock and kill the sleeping birds or seize them with their hands. Besides, it refers to a faint-hearted person who is ready to give up as soon as he meets with a difficulty. Another explanation is as follows: For the capture of the dolphin (masimasi) the hook is baited with flying fish. Like the life of the trunk-fish. The Samoan fale is built in such a way that it can be taken into parts to be transported to some other place. The trunk-fish moamoa moves very slowly and is easily caught. O le poto a lauloa. Her family repay the gift with siapo (tapa cloth). Ua se fau e ta'i. ", "As long as a man lives, the entire world is too small for him; After death, the grave is big enough. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. A piece of forked wood standing on the outrigger. It means that his opinion is of no value. Upu faifai referring to weakness and inefficiency. Let each do his share of the work. The Tuifiti (King of Fiji) had two wives, one a Fijian, the other a Samoan. The church funeral services are mostly western style with emphasis on music and prayer. Applied to the loss a family or a village suffers by the death of a matai or an influential chief. The totality of the fata, again, form the complete net. Whats with the custom of washing the body every 6 months from the grave. 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. Explore. Samoan custom requires that a man who has caught many fish, give a few to his neighbour who has not caught any. E le aia puga i le masi Thinking they were bonitos they hurried to the shore, embarked in their canoes and went out. In return, families return gifts to the visitors. The tulafale try their utmost to bring about the wedding of their chief and when this is accomplished they are not sparing in flatteries, as they will be well rewarded with the fine mats that constitute the bride's dowry. Used by someone whose opinion has not been sought. Let it go the way of the bonito. O le i'a ititi o igaga. 96. Matala'oa was a bush village in Falealili, inland of Poutasi. Samoa, arise and raise your flag, your crown!Look at those stars that are waving on it:This is the symbol of Jesus, who died on it for Samoa.Oh, Samoa, hold fast your power forever.Do not be afraid; God is our foundation, our freedom.Samoa, arise: your flag is waving, your crown! Fa'ae'e ia le 'au'au, 'ae tatou velo 'aso i ai. A gau le poutu, e le tali poulalo. Ia fa'autu ia le fao. One night, under the direction of an experienced fisherman (tautai), they stretched a net (lologamata) across the reef passage. Affiliate Disclaimer: Lingalot is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Civilization, however, has spared many of the original usages. 133. Check out these Samoan quotes and proverbs (also known as alagaupu) below to gain some insight into Samoan beliefs and ways of thinking. The sponging of the Matamea crab. Pull out the weeds between the ti plants. When the gatala has been impregnated, it moves very slowly. 188. The saying is also used as an upu fa'amaulalo. The latter are caught with a small fish-hook. Otherwise, ones spirit may cause problems for the family. Samoan etiquette requires the visitor to assure his host that he has not come to fa'atilotilo masae, i.e., to sponge on him. O le manu tafi manu. The tifitifi is a small fish. (See full affiliate disclosure.). Upu fa'aaloalo used when two chiefs or orators agree in a fono. Refers to a chief of the second rank who gives an order which no one obeys. This is why the Samoans say that the full-grown fish come from all over Samoa to Pa'au, where they are caught. Like this post? The tropic bird is careful of its long tail feathers. 153. Chris Raymond is an expert on funerals, grief, and end-of-life issues, as well as the former editor of the worlds most widely read magazine for funeral directors. If used in the other sense, it refers to pigeon hunting. The fisher then pulls it forth with his hand and kills it by sinking his teeth through its head. E fa'apupuati le gase. According to Pratt the word means a nimble warrior. I have never heard it used in this sense. Of the five kinds of boats mentioned by Kraemer, three are still in general use: (1) The small outrigger canoe (paopao); (2) the large outrigger canoe (soatau); (3) the bonito canoe (va'aalo). Pepe made a strange catch. A beautiful Samoan quote about love meaning that brothers protect their sisters. When this contraption has been destroyed deliberately or otherwise, the fishermen will come and rebuild it. It is becoming to listen to and to consider the speech of a distinguished orator. The hook has been torn off the shaft. Mago is a species of shark; pa'itele was a sea-monster about which little is known. To join another at his meal like the crayfish. Upu fa'amaulalo. The explanation given by Pratt to seek an occasion to quarrel is incorrect. Words of encouragement: dont be negligent, but do the thing thoroughly. The shell, then, has to sustain the fall while the crab itself gets off unhurt. The word umu signifies a hole, a groove. Upu faifai referring to lack of energy and perseverance. 57. 83. As an Amazon Associate this site earns from qualifying purchases. E pipili tia, 'ae mamao ala. Thus say the hunters when they have returned home from their expedition and hung up the nets, etc. Applied to a unanimous decision. Have dorsal fins like those of the fuga but not like those of the maono. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Applications: (1) The news is not true, but it has spread too far to be retracted. However, it presupposes that only one person is engaged in an undertaking, or, if there is more than one, none of them meets with success. It is also used as an excuse; for instance, when one wishes to discuss village affairs in the presence of a stranger: Ia fa'amolemole, o le a se'i mamalu mai pea le atua i le aoa. So that it may be used effectively the following morning. ", The death of an elderly man is like a burning library. Fa'atauga'o'a. Upu fa'aalualu: encouragement, persuasion. O le a ou seu foga'afaina is an upu fa'amaulalo used in the same sense as No. Samoan Sin is carried in the mouth. 93. The sea cucumber always held with the victor. 146. A beautiful Samoan quote about love meaning that brothers protect their sisters. Upu faifai: offensive expressions, insults. Upu fa'aulaula addressed to a person who appears unexpectedly. I prefer this explanation. Ua ta i matau, ta i ama fa'alamaga ise. When a flock of pigeons came down, Lefao caught a great number of them before the other was even ready to swing his net. The bonito was mistakenly pulled up on the outrigger side. The ta'amu is a coarse, little-esteemed species of taro. It became independent from New Zealand in 1962. Samoan culture has both ancient and contemporary components to it and these provide the background for its funeral traditions and customs. 6. Used of an asembly whose members have come from different villages and who, later on, will disperse again. 196. Even though no defect has been discovered, it is well to wait and to repeat the examination, for the errors cannot all be found at once. 2. A canoe is steered in the wrong direction while a swarm of little fishes arises. An orator who digresses from his topic and speaks now of this, now of that, so that no one knows what he wants to say (fa'a le maua se tonu) is compared to the ise fisher who swings his net in every direction. Upu vivi'i. She lived in a small hut behind the big house occupied by her brother and his family. doi:10.21037/apm.2018.s016. All the crabs came to see the baby Sina and they brought food for the mother as is right and proper. May it end with threats and not come to blows. Upu fa'aalualu: General invitation to assist in the reconciliation of quarrelling parties. ", "Live that people may speak well of thee at thy grave. Ua fa'amea tapena i ua. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. When exposed to the air the matulau dies very quickly. ", "Sympathy is a little medicine to soothe the ache in another's heart. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. Should anyone, in the excitement of the work or to show off, give orders to his neighbours, no one will heed him, for only the tautai may give orders. 7. The saying refers to retribution in a good and in a bad sense. A visiting matai applies these words to himself when he thinks that, owing to his presence, his - 161 hosts are prevented from discussing their affairs. 195. 42. The saying means: To countermine another's evil designs. The king is dead, long live the king. Their village being so far inland, they knew how to appreciate their catch. The tautai must pay for his sins. O le tiuga a Matala'oa e tiu ma afifi. Matalaoa suspected him of having illicit intercourse with her brothers wife, so she watched him and found her suspicions confirmed. Ua saia fua le ma'ave'ave le fua. The bird's breast feathers are very sparse. The tautai may not refuse him. These have evolved from ancient traditions, and theyre still in practice in Samoan communities across the globe. The idea of a good and bad death is a common belief throughout the world. A good death, in Samoan tradition, is a death that happens at home. When death happens at home, the spirit stays with the family peacefully. The yam is a perennial plant. Seu foga'afa. Upu vivi'i applied to surpassing qualities in persons or things. 157. Death, in Samoan tradition, is considered Gods Will. It has traditionally been believed that Samoans should die at home. Delight in the hunter's hut. Upu fa'amafanafana. Pa'u i se niu 'umi (loa). The bonito is pursued by the swordfish. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Do "There is no one who can jump so high as to escape death." Pratt translates: Why do you not steer out of the way? The word seu has two meanings: to turn the head of a canoe and to catch birds or fish in a net. Little-Esteemed species of taro the boys went fishing for their father the interpreter and kills by... His hand and kills it by sinking his teeth through its head the heavy.... Steered in the form of self-abasement smooth his part of the head of a reef Falealupo., again, form the complete net the crabs came to see the baby Sina and they brought food the... Often in day to day life midrib of the Samoan civil wars the discussion temeteme is the that. For it in other societies, death is regarded as a result of their own actions are! 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