As people increased over the variety of islands in the Pacific Ocean, there is a blend of culture, making their way to Samoa and beyond. Samoans living in New Zealand continue to practice many of their cultural traditions but not without challenges. Samoa boasts a 3, year old tradition found nowhere else in the world called Fa'a Samoa 'The Samoan Way'. Sun, 02/21/2021 - 11:13am. The Samoan custom of contributing to family events honours tradition and shows respect - but it's getting out of control. Samoan culture is rich with tradition and these are some of those traditions we've adopted into our American/ Samoan family. There are approximately 360 villages found all over the Samoan islands, with around 18,000 matai's. The world knows little about the early years of Samoan settlement and history. For visitors, Samoa’s culture and traditions will provide a truly authentic and fascinating insight into this ancient Polynesian way of life. The traditional houses or fale are founded on openness, with the design reflecting the welcoming culture of the Samoan people. The official languages of the nation are English and Samoan. Most Samoan villages have a church and a meetinghouse, which doubles as a cultural centre. samoan culture October 21, 2020 October 23, 2020 revenari Behind our Samoan rituals, customs and traditions are moral ethics and values we can preserve if we … Historically, as well, music has been an integral part of Samoan culture. Samoa, it seems, was the cradle of the Polynesian culture, and archaeological evidence suggests settlers from Samoa then spread to the other islands of Polynesia including Hawaii, Tahiti, and New Zealand. Samoa - Samoa - Cultural life: Although some Samoan values and customs have changed markedly since European contact, particularly in Apia, Samoans have strived to preserve the fa‘a Samoa (“Samoan way of life”); thus, many traditions and outward features of rural life have remained virtually unchanged. Although there have been many decades of European and Western influences, Samoans have continued to maintain their older customs, language, and government ways. Although there are so many exciting,fun cultural traditions and unique ceremonies, the next two facts outline cultural areas that are especially important to Samoan culture, and that you probably don’t know about. Samoan Culture The islands of Western Samoa have first settled about 3,000 years ago, after a very gradual migration eastwards into the Pacific from people originating in South East Asia. This research gave me the opportunity to not only study an element of Samoan culture and tradition, but to integrate with the people of Samoa; to listen to their stories, exist in their environments, and interact in their worlds. Read More. And of course there is the fact that organically grown freshly harvested fruit and vegetables are SO GOOD! For the Samoan people, … I know, I haven't been around. One well known tradition is the tatau, or Samoan tattooing. Other parts of the series are about ancient Egyptian funeral traditions and Indian funeral traditions, among others. This article looks at Samoan funeral traditions and is part of a series that highlights how different cultures care for their dead. Fa‘asamoa – Samoan culture. The dialogue between the living and the dead is the essence of a Samoan spiritual being. Our tours are on Tuesday-Friday from 10:30am-12:30pm next to the main Samoa Tourism Fale info centre. Samoan language and culture is being celebrated in the country this week under the slogan "Keep your identity alive to thrive." These are particularly evident in the time-honoured traditions, welcoming nature and cultural practices of the Samoan people. Culture. Music is a powerful force in Samoan culture, and shapes their identity with the use of resonant lyrics sung in their native tongue, song, and dance used to parallel their everyday lives and beliefs. : I was especially excited to learn about the Samoan fire dance! Come and learn about the "Samoan Way" or how we like to call it in Samoan "Fa'a Samoa". Samoan Funeral Traditions; How Do Samoans Bury and Mourn Their Dead? The traditional living quarters, or fale houses , contain no walls and up to 20 people may sleep on the ground in the same fale. Keri Palemani is an absolute expert in this regard, and styles beautiful destination weddings in Samoa with a luxe modern feel, while still giving nod to tradition. Come one, come all. Protocols to be Aware of. Storytelling is as big of an element to Samoan music and dance as any rhythm produced by their instrumentation, and if it is not directly addressed . Samoa and its Cultural Tradition. The Samoan way of life "Fa'a Samoa" is alive and thriving on both Upolu and Savaii - this is one of the best South Pacific destinations to experience traditional Polynesian culture. Much of Samoa’s oral histories were preserved and presented in a musical manner. The word for dance in Samoan is siva. Samoan tattoos are unique symbols representing an individual’s faith and family ties. Jump ahead to these sections: How Do Samoans View Death or Dying? The Samoan culture is the oldest Polynesian Culture, and has existed for nearly 3,000 years. Even though Samoa has been strongly influenced by European powers, fa’a Samoa, which is translated to ‘the Samoan way’, is still prevalent throughout the country. Traditions the day, the fale is used for chatting and relaxing. Almost all of the population of Samoa follows Christianity. The tradition of the tulafale illustrates a highly developed part of the Samoan culture that consists of its own style and language. The wearing of lavalavas and weaving are important parts of their culture as well. E i ai mea o le aganuu a Samoa e le suia, o se tasi lenei o mea e va’aia pea, e le suia lona faiga. This service is restricted to the greater metropolitan Brisbane and Townsville. The people of Samoa were usually similar in culture and their way of life to those in Tonga and Fiji. Traditional language, food, dance, music, and song is evident in today’s modern society. Samoans are happy, good-natured people, and are known for their detailed tattoos that span from their arms, down to their feet. NAME: LOCATION: Oceania: GOVERNMENT: Parliamentary Democracy : OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Samoan (Polynesian), English : MAJOR RELIGION(S): Congregationalist 34.8%, Roman Catholic 19.6%, … Samoa Baby Names Samoa Girl Names Samoa Boy Names. The three crucial parts of the cultural traditions are family, faith and music . The concept of fa‘asamoa is essential to Samoan identity, and consists of a number of values and traditions: aiga (family) tautala Samoa (Samoan language) gafa (genealogies) matai (chiefly system) lotu (church) fa‘alavelave (ceremonial and other family obligations). In Samoan culture, status is extremely important and not all people are considered equal, unfortunately. Samoan culture and traditions remain photo & caption. The tattoos have a geometric design; men’s tattoos are called Pe’a whereas women’s tattoos are known as malu. Next the outfit with a Tapa is made from the bark of the tree and it represents the art and the craft of the Samoan culture. Tattoos are also a part of the Samoan culture and these tattoos are different for men and women. Death has no place in Samoa. O nisi mea ua suia le faiga, ae tumau fa’avae, peita’i o le agaifanua lea, e tumau le molitaia maia o le manufata poo le ta’a i le tuasivi e pei ona fa’ailoa ai e nisi o fofoga o le aganuu. What tradition did I learn about? A community built resource for cross-cultural etiquette and understanding : Enter your search terms: Submit search form: Web: www.culturecrossing.net: Samoa Oceania Map World Map THE FACTS . Traditions and custom around death, funerals and burial. Samoan Tattooing (Tatau or Pe’a) Traditionally called Tatau, tattooing has long been a beautiful form of culture present on the island. But I hope that this is useful to you, and makes your Samoan life a little bit easier. by Mikaele | Apr 22, 2019 | Cultures of Polynesia, Ha: Breath of Life, Samoa | 3 comments. The methods utilized in this research include surveying, formal and informal interviewing, participant observation, and personal reflection. “Every Samoan who lives his culture speaks to the dead. While some cultures resemble our own, others make us reflect and consider how our differences bring us together. I love these Samoan traditions, and while many Samoans are choosing to have more Westernised weddings, they will usually still look to customs and culture for inspiration and guidance. In Samoa, the tatau has a deeper, historical significance. The culture and traditions of Samoa are based on Fa’a Samoa, which literally translates to The Way of Samoa. For a quick insight into Samoa's culture and traditions, visit the Samoa Cultural Village! Samoan Family Traditions: The Sacred Duty of Brothers in Samoa. In Samoan culture, most activities are done together. It is not only a Samoan tradition, but also a tradition in my own family that is beginning to be forgotten. Sara Vui-Talitu explores how two Samoans in Auckland keep their culture alive and maintain their connection to the islands. One important aspect of any culture that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves is the funeral customs. Ha: Breath of Life completes the Polynesian Cultural Center experience every evening in the Pacific Theater. It's a tradition that stems back thousands of years and is the Polynesian culture at its most authentic. From the http://www.VideoSource.com Global Village Travel Guide and DVD, "Islands of the South Pacific". Let’s understand the nuances of these aspects of the Samoan life. This high development traces back to the days before the arrival of the missionaries, when all communication was transmitted orally. Samoan Cultural Practices Fales . But the outfit is made from fine woven mats that symbolizes time, honor, and traditions, then we add red feathers from the birds of the islands. But our traditions are vastly different from those in other countries and cultures. Enjoy a fun, well informed and interactive tour right here in the heart of Apia. 2. Samoan culture is based on fa’amatai (a system of government) that has a matai (high chief) governing an entire aiga (extended family). Samoan Culture Profile June 2006 6 If you need help to provide culturally appropriate care, the assistance of the PICAC Project Officer is available free of charge to your agency or the resident. In Western culture, tattoos are often considered a form of adornment or self-expression, rather like clothing styles. Samoan culture is rich with traditions. To make the most of the experience, it is a good idea to learn some of the basic protocols expected in Samoan society. Wealth and food are distributed on a needs basis, and honour and social standing are shared equally by all members of the aiga. Here are 11 amazing Samoan wedding traditions you may not know about already: Weddings are paid for by both sides: Both families share the burden of the costs of the wedding, but typically, there are some strings attached to this. Samoan culture. Our are 3 main parts in the Samoan culture, that is faith , family and music. Wassup Fam! Samoa Culture, Customs & Traditions. In Samoan culture, most activities are done together. Hawaiian Traditions And Customs Go Hawaii Hula And Hawaiian Practices At The Polynesian Cultural Center The Hawaiian Culture Hawaii History Hawaiian Culture Hawaiian Culture History Hawaii Cultural Life Britannica Hawaiian Cultural Group Island Breeze Connects With Audiences Hawaiian Culture Introduction Aloha Aina Hula And Hawaiian Practices At The Polynesian Cultural Center Hawaii … Fire dances are a common feature of fiafia nights, which are celebration nights when traditional Samoan dances and songs are performed. My samoan culture is very beautiful and proud of it,and remember,it's not about american Samoa,it's about "SAMOA". People bury their relatives in the front so that they still see them, talk to them, and be in their presence.