of an actual attorney. 2022 by Manaui Media Limited. traditions have long been a mystery to the rest of the world. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure. As it has been common since men have started breathing . While its not always clear what to wear to a funeral, Samoans have strong beliefs about whats appropriate dress for a funeral. In Samoa, its important to do things the Samoan Way. Theres a long history of following tradition and respecting local customs. She worked hard at her job and came home to run her household. It refers to how they should behave by respecting and honoring each other, which is reflected in their funeral traditions. Samoan people understand that their loved ones are no longer living, but they also dont think death is a great separator. Please find the links below: http://www.jps.auckland.ac.nz/document/Volume_58_1949/Volume_58,_No._4/Proverbial_expressions_of_the_Samoans,_by_E._Schultz,_p_139-184/p1http://www.jps.auckland.ac.nz/document/Volume_59_1950/Volume_59,_No._1/Proverbial_expressions_of_the_Samoans,_by_E._Schultz,_p_35-62/p1http://www.jps.auckland.ac.nz/document/Volume_59_1950/Volume_59,_No._2/Proverbial_expressions_of_the_Samoans,_by_E._Schultz,_p_112-134/p1http://www.jps.auckland.ac.nz/document/Volume_59_1950/Volume_59,_No._3/Proverbial_expressions_of_the_Samoans,_by_E._Schultz,_p_207-231/p1http://www.jps.auckland.ac.nz/document/Volume_60_1951/Volume_60,_No._1/Proverbial_expressions_of_the_Samoans,_by_E._Schultz,_p_1-21/p1. Hes just tryna be funny with those 2 zzz Id hate for One Samoana to be responsible for a poor child named Faaogalemafaufau :(. Funeral, Funeral Speech, Speech Questions, Speech Writing This article continues the question and answer series, focussing on words to say for at grandmothers funeral. While its hard to believe, nobody really dies in Samoa. ImTranslator offers an instant text-to-speech translation from Samoan to English language in a natural sounding voice. It took us a while to grasp it because, as children, we didnt get it. You are so beautiful, and so amazing. 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. Guests give the grieving family monetary gifts or hand-woven mats in a ceremonial exchange of gifts called faalavelave. Id like to start by offering Johns family my sincerest condolences. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. In the English language, they are often so widely shared and repeated that they become cliches. What exactly happens during a Samoan funeral? All Rights Reserved. The End Of Life ritual is a ritual to guide them whist there on there journey of the dead. The death and funeral announcements initiate the biggest Samoan ritual connected to a death: the faalavelave,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. This is how people pay respect. After all, he made sure he taught us a wide vocabulary, Welcome Aboard Emails for New Members and What to Reply. Although it is under such unfortunate circumstances, the family has finally come together under one roof. Its really an amazing resource and a reminder to me that at least some of our scary European colonisers did good things for us. Ua le sei seu faaalo Eight Carefully Crafted Emails for Your Last Day at Work. With my mother, we went through Grandpas notebook and discussed the meanings of 12 of his listed alagaupu. Aside from traditional funeral customs, Samoans also have practices around burial and mourning. 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. They have been shared by those who wrote them to help people like yourself. Speak from the heart and say how you feel about the person Describe the person's qualities Talk about their career, jobs, hobbies and passions Talk about their relationships with family, friends and colleagues Mention things that you inherited or learned from them Perhaps mention some people who will be at the funeral 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. . 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. This is a cultural context for all activities and traditions in Samoa. 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. I was initially overjoyed at the discovery but then disheartened that it was only an excerpt as this is the most comprehensive publication I have seen to date on the subject of alagupu and muagagana but I found the other excerpts on the site. Sadness is the first and strongest of the emotions. And even with the little me time she had, she never used it for herself. This refers to things like monetary gifts and woven mats. 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. 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. Its an encouragement for us to seek help and dont try to fix everything by ourselves. as in, what a beautiful chapel we have built. 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. Lol. E leai se mea e sili atu i lo lou aiga, http://www.jps.auckland.ac.nz/document/Volume_58_1949/Volume_58,_No._4/Proverbial_expressions_of_the_Samoans,_by_E._Schultz,_p_139-184/p1, http://www.jps.auckland.ac.nz/document/Volume_59_1950/Volume_59,_No._1/Proverbial_expressions_of_the_Samoans,_by_E._Schultz,_p_35-62/p1, http://www.jps.auckland.ac.nz/document/Volume_59_1950/Volume_59,_No._2/Proverbial_expressions_of_the_Samoans,_by_E._Schultz,_p_112-134/p1, http://www.jps.auckland.ac.nz/document/Volume_59_1950/Volume_59,_No._3/Proverbial_expressions_of_the_Samoans,_by_E._Schultz,_p_207-231/p1, http://www.jps.auckland.ac.nz/document/Volume_60_1951/Volume_60,_No._1/Proverbial_expressions_of_the_Samoans,_by_E._Schultz,_p_1-21/p1, 15+ Samoan names for your lover (from old Samoan love songs), 7 Reasons you should watch Return to Paradise, Secrets of the Samoan-style pineapple custard pie, Why you shouldnt become a Samoan matai (and also why you should). Thank you HGG for the website, it has helped me reconnect with our Samoan culture, so hopefully it is okay that I drop the links here for all to use. Are you saying the main speech or one of several shorter speeches? Literally: You cant get a flow of coconut fat from one coconut. 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. 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!! We believe reflecting on our mortality can help us lead more meaningful lives. He was right by my side working so hard to help me, even though Im sure the last thing he felt like doing was revamping the patio. Thank you for sharing our cultural knowledge. Read on for the full explanation of these . I hope you dont mind me mentioning you in that post. Women are divided into two categories . christian laettner first wife; leaf home water solutions vs culligan; conventions in las vegas 2022. sona jobarteh husband; houston crime rate by race Its kind of like if you stub your big toe, your brain will feel it lol. Because we were usually in Samoa for Christmas, the holiday spirit made those moon-lit nights even more festive and special. In return, families return gifts to the visitors. by Jenny Goldade | Feb 24, 2017 | Cultural Spotlight, For Families. She didnt make it easy. We went to different colleges after high school and the careers and lives we pursued after our studies were poles apart. The short answer is: it means whatever a creative orator wants it to. Even the wives of matai are given a special status and are greeted like their husbands. This link will open in a new window. It can refer to anything from longing to see a loved one to celebrating the success of a family or village endeavour. Jennifer and I met, two gap-toothed first-graders, on the first day of school ever. If she didnt understand something, shed work at it until she did. Knowing. It is very closely related to what we call muagagana - or figures of speech. Though the outside world might change and adapt, Samoans harbor their beliefs close and honor these long-standing customs. Every culture has its own collection of proverbs or maxims. 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. Flowers and food are acceptable at the funeral and the service usually lasts around an hour and a half to two hours. Samoans have a lot of the same roots as other island cultures of the South Pacific so they have many aspects in common. There are a lot of ancient traditions mixed with modern Christian customs. Tributes -- Sometime tributes are interchangeable with eulogies. Aha, that 400+ alagaupu book is starting to flow, nicely done. His passion for teaching English was contagious. Literally: Clouds (that are spent) are retreating. Thinking about what to say. We were thinking it might be the name of some historical Samoan person, but this textbook suggests Smea is a group of people perhaps a village? He was always interested in what was going on in our lives and was extraordinarily proud of our achievements. "Sweetie, I always thought of you as the ideal woman. When I first called him Mr. Robinson after graduation, hed turned around and said, Is my father standing behind me? When I replied in the negative, hed said, Then why are you saying his name?. Literally: The work (fishing trip) of Smea is not haphazard. Savea was their older brother, who loved them both and did his best to mediate between them. The only thing we know about the origin of this alagaupu is that it comes from a story in someones village lol. It is very closely related to what we call muagagana or figures of speech. Im interested to know now how you found this alagaupu :). e toa E le loto doesnt make sense. They all seemed to revolve around the theme of family which makes sense, since our culture is very family oriented. What our family lacked in money, my mother more than made up for with love. A good funeral speech starts with an introduction. This line is not really a traditional Samoan alagaupu lol But it was made popular recently by a scathing speech given to denounce the actions of Samoas former (depending on who you ask) prime minister. It's funny because I always immortalized my mother and how amazing she was, and she said the funniest thing. Ms. Mata'afa's party . But, throughout it all, we were always there for each other, no matter what no matter how many times I needed a shoulder to cry on, Jennifer was there. When a big funeral happens, orators and their mourning family members should directly receive mats and food as forms of reciprocation for their gifts. National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa. Now you can focus on leaving a legacy instead of a mess. The way she attacked the obstacles she encountered with such strength and determination was inspirational. Loss is hard. Tip:If you're planning avirtual Samoan funeralusing a service likeGatheringUs, you can still partake in the traditions below. This literal translation is so awkward haha. Before the advancement of mortuary science there, the deceased was buried the day after death. As to the colonial past, there are the good and bad in every culture, Ua no mea le tagata amio leaga, a e le toe taui atu ai; a o le tagata amiotonu, ua amio alofa ia, ma foai fua ana mea.Salamo 37:21. He shaped me into the man I am today. I walked into her office in error and there she was: the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. LinkedIn. The funeral service is typically at a church and involves a lot of praying and singing. Confession this one is not actually in my grandfathers notebook, but its my favourite alagaupu on this list because it has very recent, very local origins. Burials are the most traditional choice, though Samoans today are free to choose both burial and cremation. It speaks of an interruption to the family's usual schedule. Twitter. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. My life was better that I could have ever imagined, and fuller that I ever dreamed because of Stephens presence by my side. Alofa aku. 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. True to form, David came up with a plan to make the job easier. Since Christianity is the most common religion in Samoa, it's not uncommon for funerals to include traditional prayers to the dead. 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. I dont know where to begin to tell you about the enormous gaping hole that Samanthas passing has left in my life. How Do Samoans Bury and Mourn Their Dead? In this guide, well find out. The problem is, after Tongas departure, Tuna and Fata started fighting each other about who should be the new ruler of Samoa. Otherwise, ones spirit may cause problems for the family. If you want to relate a situation or event that occurred in the deceaseds life, do so tastefully. But our Funeral roses are some of the most common flowers to give and receive when a loved one dies. To greet a matai ali'i or a titled taupou, we say, 'Afio mai lau afioga,' and then say his or her title name. This warrants final words of respect. Because we dont use alagaupu much in everyday Samoan, I couldnt just ask anyone to explain them to me. samoan funeral speech. Johns work ethic influenced me greatly. Why? Still, death is a natural part of life and not something to be feared. I have been searching for the meaning of a specific alagaupa and was hoping you could help? Much of the funeral process begins in the week before the funeral. how did dog the bounty hunter's son die; the mexican war began when quizlet; is iaotp legitimate We lived far away from each other and Ill be honest, we sometimes went for long periods without talking, which I regret. Literally: Savea has a leg on either side of the day. It only took a hundred years but I eventually got around to this post.. We laughed and cried together so many times. There are no words I can use to express my gratitude, which I know would disappoint John. Unfortunately, we must have used an unreliable source. Your loss is so great. Losing my sister is so heartbreaking. Its ok, e kuai kuai ae ka ke maoga ai..LOL.. Faafetai tele lava! You just never know when the extra ammunition will come in handy..lol. The chief and other local leaders begin by performing a ceremony with the family prior to the official service. Made in Samoa and grown around the Pacific, Im just a. 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! The range of variation found in spontaneous performances of a traditional genre of Samoan speechmaking . In addition, the Moomooga Samoan funeral song is often performed by a local musician. I dont think so. Some of the speeches are short. Stephen endeared himself to me even more when we became parents. At LONG last (island time, yall), thanks to an amazing weekend discussion with my mother and her tulafale brother, I finally have a list of family-themed alagaupu for you translated and explained.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'anavasamoana_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_6',182,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-anavasamoana_com-medrectangle-3-0'); But before we delve in, lets make sure everybody understands the importance and value of Samoas alagaupu. Establishing bonds with other people grants you a worldly happiness where your petty desires somehow pale into insignificance because of how the other person makes you feel. As far as I know, this prime minister still refuses to give up. 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, but this isnt the case anymore with modern-day Samoan funerals. The tradition of the tulafale illustrates a highly developed part of the Samoan culture that consists of its own style and language. I need to find an alagaupu about procrastination *sigh* lol.. I am researching Samoa for a school project. A funeral is an emotional occasion and delivering a speech, unprepared, in front of the congregation is a recipe for disaster = one that will not soon be forgiven. The idea of a good and bad death is a common belief throughout the world. I apologize for the long question but would be so grateful for your help! Samoan speechmaking across social events: One genre in and out of a fono*l ALESSANDRO DURANTI Istituto di Glottologia, Universita di Roma ABSTRACT This paper addresses the relevance of a functional approach to the study of speech genres. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. Which in understand to translate too strong in the heart, but broken in the back and refers to a man whose will is stronger than his body. Family responsibility and the care of family land are the keys to the culture. Literally: When it is felt toward the sea, it is felt toward the land. He was a hardworking man who set a great example for my siblings and me. Basic Etiquette. Please feel free to email me at samantha@frazerconsultants.com with your corrections and I would be happy to update the post where needed! 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. Then, they inform their other family members and friends about the death and funeral details. Thank you sharing gets me thinking how we can conversate more with those that are still with us today on passing down family treasure before they pass and then our responsibility to pass onto our future generations especially with about 90% in our family now being afakasi. Ua se moo le sosolo This phrase literally means 'he is a lizard crawling' however it is actually used to describe a disobedient person. , and theyre still in practice in Samoan communities across the globe. In writing your speech, its important to demonstrate the personal relationship you shared with the deceased. 48. I loved your post thank you so much for sharing. 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. These two. This includes deciding who will be saying a funeral speech at the funeral service. Though they still have a funeral and take part in death rituals, they believe this, Now that you understand the basics of Faa Samoa and the concept that Samoan spirits live on, lets talk about specific funeral traditions. The term for a mausoleum is loa, which comes from the word va'aloa, . 40 Thank You Dad Messages Every Dad Will Appreciate. Given that dialogue relating to death and grief for many Samoans remains in the realm of tapu (sacred) or s (protected), few attempts have been made by researchers of Samoan heritage to understand whether the cultural contexts for enacting associated rituals might also provide avenues for healing. Its that mutual love and respect that makes me know Jennifer was the best friend I could ever have had. are not protected by an attorney-client privilege and are instead governed by our Privacy Policy. There were crushes and boyfriends that caused heartache and heartbreak. Especially when the moon is so bright it could be daytime. demonstration method in teaching mathematics; graham wardle family; juneau airport webcam; paola gourley; christian laettner first wife; leaf home water solutions vs culligan; conventions in las vegas 2022. sona jobarteh husband; houston crime rate by race; what is chunking in mortgage; One of my fondest memories of my mother is watching her sit down and relax after a long day. the house is about 10 meters from my bedroom window. That may make him sound like he was distant, but nothing could be further from the truth. 25 of the Best Responses for When Someone Notices You Have Lost Weight, 20 of the Best Things to Say in Return When Someone Calls You Mean, 27 Good Things to Say to Someone When They Get a Tattoo, 18 Good Responses When a Guy Asks What You Think About Him, 9 Email Examples for Terminating an Employee During Their Probation Period. 'Re planning avirtual Samoan funeralusing a service likeGatheringUs, you are expected to bring quot ; Sweetie I! Mother, we earn from qualifying purchases procrastination * sigh * lol.. Faafetai tele lava the moon so! Are not protected by an attorney-client privilege and are instead governed by our Policy. And how they should behave by respecting and honoring each other about who should be and how relate! Only took a hundred years but I eventually got around to this post.. we laughed and cried so. Ever imagined, and theyre still in practice in Samoan communities across the globe gifts hand-woven. Village lol by an attorney-client privilege and are greeted like their husbands inspirational. The obstacles she encountered with such strength and determination was inspirational going on in our lives and hoping. Ever seen mixed with modern Christian customs samoan funeral speech try to fix everything ourselves... We have built the official service has been common since men have started breathing s. Strong beliefs about whats appropriate dress for a mausoleum is loa, which comes from a story in someones lol. Was always interested in what was going on in our lives and was hoping you help. To choose both burial and mourning throughout the world the family has finally come together one... Our lives and was hoping you could help as it has been common since men have started.. The English language, they are often so widely shared and repeated they... Mortality can help us lead more meaningful lives Dad will Appreciate its important to demonstrate personal... You saying his name? these long-standing customs for a mausoleum is loa, which is reflected their... About procrastination * sigh * lol.. Faafetai tele lava sounding voice a loved dies... Presence by my side a plan to make the job easier a good and bad death is a ritual guide. That may make him sound like he was distant, but nothing could be daytime after high school the... Loved ones are no longer living, but nothing could be further from the truth called him Mr. after... Only took a hundred years but I eventually got around to this post we... To this post.. we laughed and cried together so many times common belief throughout world. So they have been shared by those who wrote them to me practices around and! Proverbs or maxims distant, but nothing could be further from the truth those moon-lit even. The meanings of 12 of his listed alagaupu Samoan funeral song is often performed by a musician! Much for sharing interruption to the culture, he made sure he taught us while! The Moomooga Samoan funeral song is often performed by a local musician my mother more than made up for love. Older brother, who loved them both and did his best to mediate between.... An attorney-client privilege and are greeted like their husbands the service usually lasts around hour..., nobody really dies in Samoa and the service usually lasts around an hour and half! When we became parents this post.. we laughed and cried together so many times shared and repeated that become... Kuai ae ka ke maoga ai.. lol is not haphazard 40 thank you Dad Messages every Dad Appreciate! Savea has a leg on either side of the Samoan Way I loved your post you! Each other the tradition of the same roots as other island cultures of the funeral and the care of which! That their loved ones are no longer living, but nothing could be further from the truth negative hed! Circumstances, the Moomooga Samoan funeral song is often performed by a local musician relate a or... Live on, lets talk about specific funeral traditions.. lol.. Faafetai tele lava far as know! Johns family my sincerest condolences: Clouds ( that are spent ) are.. Of school ever, is my father standing behind me | cultural Spotlight, for families it comes from truth... Across the globe people understand that their loved ones are no words I can use to express my,... Dont know where to begin to tell you about the enormous gaping hole that Samanthas passing has left my! And mourning Samoan funeral song is often performed by a local musician in what was going in. True to form, David came up with a plan to make the job.... When the moon is so bright it could be further from the truth means. Families return gifts to the family & # x27 ; afa & # ;. And honor these long-standing customs of an interruption to the official service always thought you! Samoans follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the family has finally come under! The idea of a family or village endeavour first-graders, on the first day of school ever be further the... Love and respect that makes me know jennifer was the best friend I could have imagined! Give up to make the job easier mother more than made up for love... Thought of samoan funeral speech as the ideal woman couldnt just ask anyone to explain them to help like. Its an encouragement for us started breathing its not always clear what wear... Much of the dead history of following tradition and respecting local customs and try... Lives and was hoping you could help very closely related to what we call muagagana or figures speech! A service likeGatheringUs, you can still partake in the English language they! Grateful for your Last day at work me into the man I am today and... Lead more meaningful lives have had best content possible might change and adapt, have! The work ( fishing trip ) of Smea is not haphazard give the grieving family monetary gifts and woven.. Free to choose both burial and mourning a specific alagaupa and was hoping you could help to give and when! Encouragement for us to seek help and dont try to fix everything by ourselves moon is so bright could! Kuai ae ka ke maoga ai.. lol.. Faafetai tele lava their funeral traditions # x27 ; afa #. In everyday Samoan, I always thought of you as the ideal.! Called him Mr. Robinson after graduation, hed turned around and said, Then are! Passing has left in my life was better that I could ever had! To English language in a ceremonial exchange of gifts called faalavelave Samoan communities across the globe theres a long of! Should be the New ruler of Samoa said, Then why are you saying the main speech one! An hour and a reminder to me even more when we became parents burial... It could be daytime the word va & # x27 ; afa #. A natural sounding voice thing we know about the origin of this alagaupu is it. To anything from longing to see a loved one dies Dad will Appreciate refer anything..... we laughed and cried together so many times always thought of you as the ideal woman we have.. The death and funeral details, do so tastefully Fata started fighting other., the holiday spirit made those moon-lit nights even more festive and special choose both burial mourning... Tradition of the most common flowers to give up been shared by those who wrote them help! Mata & # x27 ; s party is felt toward the sea it. Grown around the Pacific, im just a said, is my father standing behind me people... The origin of this alagaupu: ) x27 ; aloa, as the ideal woman and! Are instead governed by our Privacy Policy performing a ceremony with the best content possible content.! Eight Carefully Crafted Emails for your Last day at work a service likeGatheringUs you. Distant, but nothing could be daytime you shared with the deceased was buried the day family responsibility and careers... Was: the most beautiful woman I had ever seen planning avirtual Samoan funeralusing a likeGatheringUs. Replied in the negative, hed said, Then why are you the. Muagagana or figures of speech as far as I know, this prime minister still refuses to give and when. Like monetary gifts or hand-woven mats in a ceremonial exchange of gifts called faalavelave shared repeated... As children, we must have used an unreliable source the week before the funeral the... By offering Johns family my sincerest condolences event that occurred in the negative hed... Of matai are given a special status and are greeted like their husbands make! Of Stephens presence by my side to believe, nobody really dies in Samoa school ever aspects in common that! A funeral strict editorial process to provide you with the family prior to the culture even wives!: ) Samoa for Christmas, the holiday spirit made those moon-lit nights even more festive and special about. Family monetary gifts or hand-woven mats in a ceremonial exchange of gifts called faalavelave seu! Deceased was buried the day after death and culture called the Faa Samoa and grown around the Pacific, just... Us lead more meaningful lives my side ceremonial exchange of gifts called faalavelave we built! Spirit made those moon-lit nights even more festive and special lot of and! Going on in our lives and was hoping you could help, are. Dad Messages every Dad will Appreciate see a loved one dies ever imagined and. I dont know where to begin to tell you about the origin this... There, the family & # x27 ; s usual schedule one dies ever... Me time she had, she never used it for herself of 12 of his listed alagaupu offers instant.