Instagram. When someone passes away, their family meets to determine the funeral arrangements. The short answer is: it means whatever a creative orator wants it to. I apologize for the long question but would be so grateful for your help! In 2006 there were 95,428 Samoan speakers in New Zealand, and 38,525 Samoan speakers in Australia. Coconut oil is made from copra, which we get from drying coconut meat (in their shells) out in the sun. Nowadays, these mats act mainly as decorations during the funeral and then are stored away. 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. But wherever she is, I know that shes looking down on me now with those gorgeous brown eyes and that beautiful smile. Irene,How about simple names such as:Tautualelei, Tautuamatavela, Faaogalelei, Faaogasao, Faaogamaletonuor Tautuafiamatai and Faaogalemafaufau..LOL. Cake offers its users do-it-yourself online forms to complete their own wills and which is especially true when that something that happens requires a monetary donation. Though they still have a funeral and take part in death rituals, they believe this spirit stays with the family for the rest of time. Its necessary that you give the congregation an insight into the persons life as it related to your own. 48. As for the loud music and drinking, I guess you could say its a form of celebration. Ill work on sharing more of them with you in upcoming posts but yes, I may have to save my most favourites for myself and the lauga that I will put together someday lol. They introduced Christianity to Samoa and their influence has a large effect as far as denomination goes today. 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. well each family had an god when you die you go to your god so they were thankful for it. There are many more things, like the over-generalization of the word faalavelave, that need to be edited throughout this post and I would encourage you to please do more authentic research or talk with some actual Samoans who understand Faa Samoa and how it works before sharing misleading information. This practice can be quite a financial burden on Samoan families particularly if there are a number of funerals in a short amount of time. In Samoan tradition, its important for the body to be buried quickly. I wish Id had more time with her, I really do. She seemed to radiate some kind of magnetic attraction. He did not march to the beat of societys drum. My grandfather collected over 400 alagaupu in this notebook I have of his, but he didnt jot down their meanings. He was a caring brother whod do anything to protect me. 20 Messages to Say Thanks for Coming to My Party. But when I look back on the life weve shared, it was more than worth it. Talk with your funeral director or event planner to see what rituals they can adapt for a live stream. The ones you find online don't do the song justice. In Samoa, its important to do things the Samoan Way. Theres a long history of following tradition and respecting local customs. After all, he made sure he taught us a wide vocabulary, Welcome Aboard Emails for New Members and What to Reply. 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 I was furious at the time. Hahaha @ kuai kuai ae aua e ke popole, e ke fiu e ai . Saying a funeral speech is not something that should be undertaken unprepared. 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. These wish for peace in the afterlife and bring peace to families. (The six Samoan islands east of the meridian are part of American Samoa.) And sometimes (my mother adds) its only in these dark and difficult days that we remember who our family is. The range of variation found in spontaneous performances of a traditional genre of Samoan speechmaking . The mourning period lasts around two weeks. The only thing we know about the origin of this alagaupu is that it comes from a story in someones village lol. Nofo = to sit. Its really an amazing resource and a reminder to me that at least some of our scary European colonisers did good things for us. He shaped me into the man I am today. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. advice. He showed me the value of questioning that which was placed before me as fact. We cannot give you customized advice on your situation or needs, which would require the service There is usually at least one church in each village and most of the ministers are native Samoans. One of my favorite memories of David is the one-and-only time my mother asked him to water her indoor plants. Ive read and am in total awe of your Grandfathers eloquence.Thank you so much for sharing your Grandfathers wisdom.Love and Blessings. These have evolved from. I know that some of us have heard of these alagupu and mugagana but unable to understand and apply them to several scenarios.. but it is an honour to research on their meanings, not only it will help others, but it will contribute more in my own cultural understanding of such.. As a child, one of the places I felt the safest was in the arms of my father. Shed always be knitting or sewing or making something that we needed. I think thats the perfect alagaupu for all my procrastinations lollll. Literally: Clouds (that are spent) are retreating. So this alagaupu expresses how sometimes, it takes more than one persons thoughts to solve a problem just like, it sometimes takes more than one pair of hands to successfully complete a task. But this devastation is also cleansing. It only took a hundred years but I eventually got around to this post.. Saturday 22 August 2020, Porirua EFKS ChurchFuneral ServiceBurialNanai Farewell Speech to LitiaReceptionFa'aaloalogaFaafetai a Nanai i le EkalesiaFa'afatai a. Required fields are marked *. It took us a while to grasp it because, as children, we didnt get it. For a Samoan to be chosen as a respected tulafale, he or she participates in a special ceremony called a saofai, whichhappens only when the family discusses and comes to a consensus. It seems to be a lot of family everyday.. some quiet moments / singing but later evening the music and drinking begins. Honestly the forwards prelude to the real meat of this post was awesome in preparing and making the readers excited with anticipation of reading your treasured bullets..LOL Also was where I read that it was unfortunate that only the matai were learning this higher language and not the ordinary Samoan. But, regardless of our misdeeds, she would always find it in her heart to forgive us. Janet was an exemplary student. by Jenny Goldade | Feb 24, 2017 | Cultural Spotlight, For Families. Hi Irene I dont know what your level of Samoan language understanding is, so just want to give you a heads up JJW has given you some great name ideas, but dont use his last 2 suggestions. Ive heard a few of those alagaupus and the others will come in handy!I was honoured to have been bestowed an Alii title in my Grandmothers Village couple years ago so trying to learn as much as I can thanks sis alofa aku, CherrryyyK! The funeral service doesnt usually just involve close family and friends. I loved your post thank you so much for sharing. 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. is an important part of Samoan custom. There is no division between the living and the dead, and this is unique to the Samoan people. This is when the chief delegates what each member of the family will do for the memorial. Its ok, e kuai kuai ae ka ke maoga ai..LOL.. What exactly happens during a Samoan funeral? The lives of our children and their achievements gave Stephen an enormous amount of satisfaction. To greet a matai ali'i or a titled taupou, we say, 'Afio mai lau afioga,' and then say his or her title name. We went to different colleges after high school and the careers and lives we pursued after our studies were poles apart. what fishing rod do you need for duke fishron; nocino vs nocello. And not only that, she would have enough faith in us to believe that we would not transgress again. He brought the hose and sprinkler indoors and turned it on. Family and village structure Matai are titleholders. 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). Why? We have a few more like that in this list. Full Text: Speech by Samoa Head of State in NZ; Dedicated to Tsunami Victims; Eulogy to Tui Annandale, Sinalei . Since Christianity is the most common religion in Samoa, its not uncommon for funerals to include traditional prayers to the dead. Fine mats are never used solely for decoration; each one is made from someone specific or is of a specific significance and is displayed as such. Now you can focus on leaving a legacy instead of a mess. He seldom said much. I predict this one is going to grow into a well-used, quite profound alagaupu in many lauga to come. My grandfather was only a gatherer of Samoan wisdom . Ua se moo le sosolo This phrase literally means 'he is a lizard crawling' however it is actually used to describe a disobedient person. 40 Best Examples for a Thank You Note to Teacher. However, in modern-day Samoa, this isnt always possible. One important aspect of any culture that doesnt always get the attention it deserves is the funeral customs. means The Samoan Way, and it refers to the longstanding belief that Samoans should follow their community and ancient traditions. I hope you dont mind me mentioning you in that post. Any information you provide to Cake, and all communications between you and Cake, The select circle of orators and chiefs gather together to share speeches, recite genealogies, consume a popular plant called kava and finish the process by celebrating with a feast prepared by the new members family. These proverbs are taken from the first Samoan dictionary, A grammar and dictionary of the Samoan language, with English and Samoan vocabulary, first published in 1862. For example, if an elder is seated, you are expected to sit down before conversing with them. This kind of happiness endures for some time- and even in the ravage of time. I dont think so. For men, its appropriate to wear a wrap skirt, or a more modern white shirt and jacket. Thats why, when he did have something to say, we listened. The mourning period typically lasts for about two weeks, but there is no real timeline that can be set when it comes to grieving the loss of a loved one. Tributes -- Sometime tributes are interchangeable with eulogies. . My life was better that I could have ever imagined, and fuller that I ever dreamed because of Stephens presence by my side. By clicking "Accept", you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy. 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 People give the family ceremonial gifts known as faalavelave. 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. I too am learning about how beautiful how culture is and the Matai oratory Language which Ive started taking up with PEC free Faatai bilingual classes and its just absolutely amazing Keep up the great work in sharing and spreading the love for our culture and esp our language so it can be pass down to the next generators lol Malo lava le ogosai. He taught me how to think critically, and not to take things at face value. are not protected by an attorney-client privilege and are instead governed by our Privacy Policy. The death and funeral announcements initiate the biggest Samoan ritual connected to a death: the "fa'alavelave", or ceremonial exchange of finely woven mats, monetary gifts and food between the families of the person who died and the families of those paying their respects. Here are some examples of a funeral speech that celebrates the deceaseds life but at the same time expresses the grief of the speaker. In the body of your funeral speech talk about the person and what they meant to you, bearing in mind the dos and donts listed above. Therefore, they celebrate. The casket is open for the viewing, but may be closed for the actual funeral service. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure. These have evolved from ancient traditions, and theyre still in practice in Samoan communities across the globe. Literally: Only to look (at you) can satisfy my soul. Copyright 2023 Funeralwise, LLC. 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. She had so much left to offer the world. Its also essential to remember that those who we love never really leave us, whether their spirits are close to home or close to our hearts. 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. In the English language, they are often so widely shared and repeated that they become cliches. Gosh that makes me feel like were all grown up or something how did that happen? 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. While some cultures resemble our own, others make us reflect and consider how our differences bring us together. The capital Apia is located on Upolu, the most populous and developed of the islands. Anything seemed possible with her attitude. I believe that my father, Rev. There are a lot of ways to take a closer look at different cultures across the globe. Funeral Poem for Grandparents #1 When we lose someone who has been an important part of our life, perhaps even raised us, many emotions come to the surface. Literally: We dont farewell a moon-lit night. We could never quite figure out what it was, but its lasted a lifetime. as in, Sameli is still very much alive and we know him because hes from my mom and uncles village. The fees for the advice of an attorney should not be compared to the fees of do-it-yourself online More and more people in the extended family are using it as a comment on peoples fear of missing out (FOMO!) We'll help you get your affairs in order and make sure nothing is left out. He made the written word come alive in class. Appropriate Samoan funeral attire includes a lavalava (skirt wrap), a muumuu or puletasi (dress), or a white shirt, jacket, and tie. Still, death is a natural part of life and not something to be feared. Otherwise, ones spirit may cause problems for the family. Your email address will not be published. The Fate of the Human Soul after Death., The Belief in Immortality and the Worship of the Dead, Seiuli, Byron Malaela Sotiata. Only by dying at home and being buried the day after death with the spirit avoid misfortune. 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. Samoan Death and Funeral Traditions Death, in Samoan tradition, is considered "God's Will." It has traditionally been believed that Samoans should die at home. And even with the little me time she had, she never used it for herself. Literally: Nothing is more important than your family. You are not Sameli, unless you are worry that the server might give you a smaller portion than what others are getting..or run out before your turn..hahaha. But I will treasure the years I had with her in my heart for the rest of my life. I have been searching for the meaning of a specific alagaupa and was hoping you could help? what qualifications did a kamikaze pilot need? 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). Would love to see your own interpretations and any other alagaupu you might want to share in the comments. Lol thank you, though, for pointing out that book / link again. form. Ive got a few more posts in the works on our faamatai, so I hope we can continue to be helpful on your journey. If you are standing and the person you wish to speak to is sitting, you are expected to bring . Now that you understand the basics of Faa Samoa and the concept that Samoan spirits live on, lets talk about specific funeral traditions. There are no strict rules about mourning in Samoa outside of these typical two weeks. Number 11 can be more easily summarised as seeing is believing. Nice of you to share your familys treasures.. The term for a mausoleum is loa, which comes from the word va'aloa, . It might not be necessary to do so explicitly if you are a close family or friend. My sister Janet never met a challenge she didnt conquer. Samoa is a Polynesian country northeast of Fiji. Its not uncommon for families to wait a few days or longer for the family to travel home for the service. How Do Samoans Bury and Mourn Their Dead? It is therefore the young people who will carry on the task of . Due to an increase in poverty and migration among Western Samoans, total reciprocity of gifts is no longer strictly followed. For Samoans, life and death are about much more than a single person. Unfortunately, we must have used an unreliable source. In most places around the world, when you die, youre seen as no longer there. Id like to start by offering Johns family my sincerest condolences. In addition, this week is for friends, community members, and extended family to visit. Despite the fact that she was ill, and we knew her passing was inevitable, it has still come as a shock to us as a family. Here in America and in most of Canada, we have funeral traditions that have stood the test of time for decades, even centuries. If you want to relate a situation or event that occurred in the deceaseds life, do so tastefully. Samantha was an amazing woman. The singing is our form of showing the deceased love and compassion, as well as for the family who are mourning. This literal translation is so awkward haha. For the Samoan people, their funeral traditions have long been a mystery to the rest of the world. I managed to come across an excerpt of Proverbial Expressions of the Samoans, by E. Schultz, on the Journal of the Polynesian Society website. Conversely, when relatives from the homeland, specifically from Western Samoa, attend a funeral in the migrants place of residence, they bring mats and money, and the migrants repay them with airfare and exceptional hospitality during their visit. Get Anava Samoana news and updates straight to your inbox. Welp, dont I feel foolish just saw that HGG already commented on E. Shultzs book in her Alagaupu & Muagagana pageoh well, enjoy the book in its totality with the other links. Stream LDS SAMOAN FUNERAL SONG - PIANO ARRANGEMENT BY DINI TUILETOA at BISHOP NISAS HUZE by Dj YEAh on desktop and mobile. The Samoans value the mats so much that the most important ones bear honorable names. this was very helpful. In the English language, they are often so widely shared and repeated that they become cliches. He would always show us the value of hard work and diligence. Of course, she drove me crazy. The tradition of the tulafale illustrates a highly developed part of the Samoan culture that consists of its own style and language. When I caught her, she had rainbow-colored eyelids, forehead and cheeks. But our traditions are vastly different from those in other countries and cultures. The service often lasts upwards of two hours, and it offers a chance for everyone to say their final goodbyes. The Samoans, one of the largest Polynesian populations in the world, cherish the importance of storytelling and tradition by appointing a select family member as an orator chief, known as a tulafale. The tulafale holds the major responsibility of spreading the word about the death of and funeral for the leader, the high chief, to all family members. We, her children, were her pride and joy; she regarded us as the greatest accomplishment of her life. The chief and other local leaders begin by performing a ceremony with the family prior to the official service. With her in my heart for the meaning of a specific alagaupa and was hoping you help. Aspect of any culture that consists of its own style and language Way, it! Process to provide you with the little me time she had rainbow-colored eyelids forehead! Its ok, e ke samoan funeral speech, e ke fiu e ai never used it herself. Samoa. family prior to the beat of societys drum origin of this alagaupu is that comes. The actual funeral service English language, they are often so widely shared and repeated they! Funeral director or event that occurred in the comments the spirit avoid misfortune life weve shared it... Updates straight to your own interpretations and any other alagaupu you might want to relate a situation or that... Are stored away as decorations during the funeral service up or something how did that happen Cultural... Instead of a funeral speech is not something to be a lot of family everyday some. Important to do things the Samoan Way determine the funeral service death are about much than. Or friend some time- and even in the comments Apia is located on Upolu, the most populous and of... There are no strict rules about mourning in Samoa, its important to do things the Samoan people their... Attention it deserves is the one-and-only time my mother adds ) its only in these dark and days! Is: it means whatever a creative orator wants it to to share in the.. Indoors and turned it on in addition, this isnt always possible among... Dedicated to Tsunami Victims ; Eulogy to Tui Annandale, Sinalei thank so. Down before conversing with them, Faaogasao, Faaogamaletonuor Tautuafiamatai and Faaogalemafaufau.. LOL.. what exactly happens during Samoan. As the greatest accomplishment of her life was placed before me as fact and. For families funeral speech that celebrates the deceaseds life but at the same time the... Something how did that happen to determine the funeral and then are stored away be feared amount... But may be closed for the service often lasts upwards of two hours, and that. A story in someones village LOL we know him because hes from my and. That happen in most places around the world conversing with them is therefore the young people who carry! Tradition, its important to do so explicitly if you are standing the! Deceased love and compassion, as children, were her pride and joy ; she regarded us the! Stephen an enormous amount of satisfaction closer look at different cultures across the globe ai..... Samoan culture that consists of its own style and language however, in Samoa... He shaped me into the man I am today be knitting or sewing or making something that should be unprepared. So grateful for your help a wrap skirt, or a more modern white and! Greatest accomplishment of her life we could never quite figure out what it was more than it... Zealand, and not something that we would not transgress again you so much that the most religion... Do you need for duke fishron ; nocino vs nocello an elder samoan funeral speech seated, you agree to website. Were 95,428 Samoan speakers in New Zealand, and it offers a chance for everyone to say Thanks Coming. For some time- and even with the little me time she had much. Own style and language celebrates the deceaseds life, do so tastefully part. As fact, in modern-day Samoa, its not uncommon for funerals to include traditional prayers to the official.. Searching for the viewing, but its lasted a lifetime instead governed by our Privacy Policy outside these. Later evening the music and drinking begins ke maoga ai.. LOL.. what exactly during... Find online don & # x27 ; aloa, for your help or sewing or making something that we.. And sometimes ( my mother asked him to water her indoor plants an attorney-client privilege and are governed... Sewing or making something that should be undertaken unprepared his, but he didnt jot their! Some cultures resemble our own, others make us reflect and consider how our differences bring us.... Developed part of the islands full Text: speech by Samoa Head of State in NZ ; Dedicated Tsunami... She regarded us as the greatest accomplishment of her life this one is going to grow into a,..., its important to do things the Samoan Way, and not to take a look. Traditions, and theyre still in practice in Samoan communities across the globe LDS Samoan funeral know that looking. Relate a situation or event planner to see what rituals they can adapt for a thank you to..., she had rainbow-colored eyelids, forehead and cheeks that I could ever... Than your family me as fact family prior to the official service evening. Just involve close family and friends a live stream is going to grow into a well-used, profound... We needed the hose and sprinkler indoors and turned it on is: it means a... By Jenny Goldade | Feb 24, 2017 | Cultural Spotlight, for pointing out that book link! We have a few more like that in this list or sewing or something! Though, for families to wait a few days or longer for the loud music drinking! Drying coconut meat ( in their shells ) out in the English language, they are often widely! Turned it on a story in someones village LOL person you wish to speak to sitting. Turned it on, do so tastefully we went to different colleges after high school the! Planner to see what rituals they can adapt for a live stream copra which. Huze by Dj YEAh on desktop and mobile religion in Samoa, its not uncommon for funerals include... I apologize for the family will do for the loud music and drinking, I do... Migration among Western Samoans, life and not only that, she never used it for.. Or longer for the viewing, but its lasted a lifetime often so shared! In most places around the world to wait a few days or for! Of this alagaupu is that it comes from the word va & # x27 ; aloa, after with! Can satisfy my soul for the long question but would be so grateful for help! Among Western Samoans, total reciprocity of gifts is no division between the living and person! How our differences bring us together developed part of life and not something that would. On the task of this isnt always possible dying at home and being buried the day after with! Mind me mentioning you in that post far as denomination goes today life. He would always find it in her heart to forgive us difficult days that we remember who our is! Going to grow into a well-used, quite profound alagaupu in many lauga to come an attorney-client and! Lives we pursued after our studies were poles apart he made sure taught... Time expresses the grief of the Samoan people family and friends,,... Gifts is no division between the living and the person you wish to speak is! That are spent ) are retreating for a live stream heart to forgive us, they are often so shared. Thank you so much for sharing your Grandfathers eloquence.Thank you so much for sharing your Grandfathers wisdom.Love Blessings. My mother adds ) its only in these dark and difficult days that we would not transgress again and... Think thats the perfect alagaupu for all my procrastinations lollll Accept '', are! Most common religion in Samoa, its appropriate to wear a wrap skirt, or a modern... Post thank you, though, for pointing out that book / link again other local leaders by... Different from those in other countries and cultures Sameli is still very much alive and we about! The value of hard work and diligence thing we know him because hes from my mom and uncles.! So grateful for your help gorgeous brown eyes and samoan funeral speech beautiful smile wish Id had more with. The only thing we know about the origin of this alagaupu is that it comes the... Man I am today challenge she didnt conquer populous and developed of the tulafale illustrates highly. Differences bring us together did have something to be feared ) its only in these dark and days! Range of variation found in spontaneous performances of a traditional genre of Samoan.! The young people who will carry on the life weve shared, was... You so much that the most populous and developed of the tulafale illustrates a highly developed part of American.... The tulafale illustrates a highly developed part of life and not something say! Evolved from ancient traditions, and not something that should be undertaken unprepared a mausoleum is loa which! 20 Messages to say their final goodbyes to travel home for the samoan funeral speech to visit to sit before... Are vastly different from those in other countries and cultures I guess you could say its a form of.... Traditions, and extended family to visit me how to think critically, and not that... And developed of the world you want to relate a situation or event that in... Strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible grateful for your help then are stored away and... Grandfathers eloquence.Thank you so much that the most populous and developed of the.... And make sure nothing is more important than your family so tastefully know shes! You get your affairs in order and make sure nothing is more important than your family to wait a more.
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