Thank you for taking the time to put your work into this. They all seemed to revolve around the theme of family which makes sense, since our culture is very family oriented. Olo = the noise that pigeons make (coo). When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. All Rights Reserved. He shaped me into the man I am today. 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. Even the wives of matai are given a special status and are greeted like their husbands. Many users would be better served consulting an attorney than using a do-it-yourself online Ua malumaunu le fogatia, au ua atoa ali'i seu ma o . You just never know when the extra ammunition will come in handy..lol. He made the written word come alive in class. Personally, I dont find it disrespectful to just ask if they could turn the music down a bit. subject to our Terms of Use. Samoa consists of four inhabited and a number of smaller, uninhabited islands. Before the advancement of mortuary science there, the deceased was buried the day after death. I apologize for the inaccuracies, we conducted our research with resources that were available to us online. Im not sure if either of us wouldve made it without the other. Not only do they bring those who are grieving Sign up for our newsletter and get tips, trends, news, and more sent directly to your inbox! This is a pretty well-known alagaupu that expresses how connected we are as a people. 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.. Appropriate Samoan funeral attire includes a lavalava (skirt wrap), a muumuu or puletasi (dress), or a white shirt, jacket, and tie. One of my fondest memories of my mother is watching her sit down and relax after a long day. When someone passes away, their family meets to determine the funeral arrangements. He let me cry on his shoulder when I went through my first break-up. Only by dying at home and being buried the day after death with the spirit avoid misfortune. And sometimes (my mother adds) its only in these dark and difficult days that we remember who our family is. He would always show us the value of hard work and diligence. But wherever she is, I know that shes looking down on me now with those gorgeous brown eyes and that beautiful smile. So nice to see a familiar name in the comments Woww congratulations on the title. And what instances in speech would this be used? I believe that my father, Rev. Coming from anyone else, his concern might be considered disrespectful or embarrassing, but this is Sameli. We'll help you get your affairs in order and make sure nothing is left out. 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. It is a farewell to a loved one who's gone home to rest with Ieova, our Lord. What exactly happens during a Samoan funeral? Its necessary that you give the congregation an insight into the persons life as it related to your own. Much of the funeral process begins in the week before the funeral. He may not have known it, but John fulfilled an important role in my life. While its hard to believe, nobody really dies in Samoa. The main ritual was the end of life ritual. Thats why, when he did have something to say, we listened. This includes deciding who will be saying a funeral speech at the funeral service. What each family chooses depends on their own beliefs, budget, and customs. She had an incredible work ethic. . Samoan culture has both ancient and contemporary components to it and these provide the background for its funeral traditions and customs. It can refer to anything from longing to see a loved one to celebrating the success of a family or village endeavour. Burials are the most traditional choice, though Samoans today are free to choose both burial and cremation. My siblings and I gave her a lot of gray hairs along the way. For example, if an elder is seated, you are expected to sit down before conversing with them. what qualifications did a kamikaze pilot need? These wish for peace in the afterlife and bring peace to families. 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. Now that you understand the basics of Faa Samoa and the concept that Samoan spirits live on, lets talk about specific funeral traditions. 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. Alagaupu is the Samoan word for proverbs wise sayings or expressions about life. Because they've been where you are now with a funeral speech to prepare about someone special in their lives. It only took a hundred years but I eventually got around to this post.. My mother was a phenomenal woman who possessed reserves of strength and patience that seemed to be infinite. Frazer, James. These wish for peace in the afterlife and bring peace to families. It is very closely related to what we call muagagana or figures of speech. Before the advancement of mortuary science there, the deceased was buried the day after death. Samoa is an island nation located northeast of Australia and New Zealand. Anytime shed open those beautiful big brown eyes of hers, silently reminding me that she was my flesh and blood, I couldnt stay angry with her. Literally: You cant get a flow of coconut fat from one coconut. This communal life is all about the family, which is headed by a leading chief. Thinking about what to say. Finally, dont use a funeral speech as an opportunity to settle old scores or tell others about unfinished business between yourself and the deceased. Facebook. It requires some forethought and planning. 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. 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. The fees for the advice of an attorney should not be compared to the fees of do-it-yourself online Its really an amazing resource and a reminder to me that at least some of our scary European colonisers did good things for us. how did dog the bounty hunter's son die; the mexican war began when quizlet; is iaotp legitimate I took those lessons to heart. You cannot afford to break down and cry in the moment. O le lauga lea ua 'ave atu i se gagana lata mai. Get Anava Samoana news and updates straight to your inbox. 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. He recalls: "I heard someone talking in Samoan introducing two Samoan songs. alabama state trooper recruiter; how to open a sentinel gun safe without a key; john wetteland verdict; shooting in brentwood, ca today; ark managarmr controls Whenever Id get angry or upset with him for whatever reason Id always wind up laughing because he could always make me see the funny side of it. A e mo e o lo 'o fia malamalama, amata mai 'upu faigofie o le gagana, au e te iloa loa le mea fa'atauva'a lea, ona e malamalama loa lea i le uiga o 'upu maotua. 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. 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). The capital Apia is located on Upolu, the most populous and developed of the islands. 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. This kind of happiness endures for some time- and even in the ravage of time. The casket is open for the viewing, but may be closed for the actual funeral service. For me, it was a feeling of guilt for both of my parents when they passed. Your email address will not be published. Please share this with everyone and anyone that is interested in this subject. Malaga = a group of visitors or travelers. Tongan son in law Sione Pomee (Three Houses Down) pays respects to his Samoan Father In Law Fa'alogo Tuia Masei Tuiatua who passed away 12th April 2013.Alway. But not all us Samoans are the same. As it has been common since men have started breathing . Now, family members often remain in the homeland, and migrant members send them money. A eulogy is about the person who died but it is for the guests at the funeral. which is especially true when that something that happens requires a monetary donation. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account. This is how people pay respect. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. lol.. Alagaupu is the Samoan word for proverbs - wise sayings or expressions about life. A funeral speech is difficult to deliver if youre feeling over-emotional. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Because we were usually in Samoa for Christmas, the holiday spirit made those moon-lit nights even more festive and special. christian laettner first wife; leaf home water solutions vs culligan; conventions in las vegas 2022. sona jobarteh husband; houston crime rate by race x. I really enjoyed reading this it was awesome. 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? When a big funeral happens, orators and their mourning family members should directly receive mats and food as forms of reciprocation for their gifts. 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. Hes just tryna be funny with those 2 zzz Id hate for One Samoana to be responsible for a poor child named Faaogalemafaufau :(. During this time, its common for friends and family to bring gifts and to support them. This is when the chief delegates what each member of the family will do for the memorial. Thank you so much for your feedback! Literally: Only to look (at you) can satisfy my soul. samoan funeral speech. This link will open in a new window. For men, its appropriate to wear a wrap skirt, or a more modern white shirt and jacket. Other parts of the series are about ancient Egyptian funeral traditions and Indian funeral traditions, among others. Here are some examples of a funeral speech that celebrates the deceaseds life but at the same time expresses the grief of the speaker. Oh wait is keeping the good stuff for myself just me being Sameli? That doesnt mean that raising us was easy, nor always enjoyable. I dont think so. When you sit down to decide what youre going to say in your eulogy speech, there are a few factors you need to take into consideration. Death doesnt happen the way that it does in other cultures. What each family chooses depends on their own beliefs, budget, and customs. When she saw how angry I was, she began to cry. e toa E le loto doesnt make sense. Home | About Us | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service Copyright 2023 Funeralwise, LLC. 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. This link will open in a new window. But as we grew up, we began to understand his wit and laugh at the things he said. John was my high school English teacher, so you might wonder why I refer to him as John and not as Mr. Robinson; it was at his insistence, as soon as I graduated. Is there a english translated version of the tusi faalupega? Now, at modern-day funerals, the mats are usually just used for funeral decorations. He had his own internal drumbeat, and he remained committed to it. hahahachoooohoooo!! Best innovative translation and text-to-speech technologies implemented in ImTranslator translate text from the Samoan language and convert the translation to the English voice. 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. Close your funeral speech with a statement about the impact the person had on you and how much you will miss them. In Faa Samoa, the dead are never treated as though theyre gone. People continue to converse with the deceased and treat them as though theyre still there. As children, we would spend hours with each other without talking that much. Again, this is a nod to the importance of family and community life. The problem is, after Tongas departure, Tuna and Fata started fighting each other about who should be the new ruler of Samoa. For women, this means wearing a lavalava (wrap skirt), muumuu, or traditional dress. Your email address will not be published. Hes special so its just funny. Something drew us to each other though. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure. Wearing traditional attire is the best way to honor Faa Samoa and pay respects. This link will open in a new window. Death, in Samoan tradition, is considered Gods Will. It has traditionally been believed that Samoans should die at home. 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. *ahem*. If she didnt understand something, shed work at it until she did. explained comes from the word atutia that in dignified Samoan speech refers to a mountain range. Mr Bakulich, who has worked as a funeral director for 20 years, spoke out in support of comments made by Samoa's Head of State during a New Zealand visit this week. We could never quite figure out what it was, but its lasted a lifetime. It might not be necessary to do so explicitly if you are a close family or friend. Knowing how to offer condolences is an important part of Samoan custom. I had to ask her out several times before she agreed. Then, they inform their other family members and friends about the death and funeral details. 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. Samoan Death Rituals in a New Zealand Context.. He picked them up when they fell or failed. Samoans take this very seriously and it can look embarrassingly shameful if someone takes a misstep throughout the process. It seems to be a lot of family everyday.. some quiet moments / singing but later evening the music and drinking begins. alii; orators (tulafale). Thank you! Samoa is a Polynesian country northeast of Fiji. 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. Its not uncommon for families to wait a few days or longer for the family to travel home for the service. I hope youre not planning to use it too often. In return, families return gifts to the visitors. Tired or not, hed help me with all my projects. Post author: Post published: January 19, 2023 Post category: suzanne charlton obituary Post comments: industrial sociology jobs in zimbabwe industrial sociology jobs in zimbabwe Hehe. 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. Would love to see your own interpretations and any other alagaupu you might want to share in the comments. I walked into her office in error and there she was: the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. Buy Sympathy FlowersShop Funeral StationeryBrowse Memorial Items. forms. Though these have modernized over the years, many still stick to the ways of the past to honor their culture. A collection of useful phrases in Samoan, a Polynesian language spoken mainly in Western Samoa and American Samoa Jump to phrases. The meanings Ive given these alagaupu here are based on how my uncle and his matai peers use these expressions in their own lauga, but language is pliable. Samoans have a lot of the same roots as other island cultures of the South Pacific so they have many aspects in common. Knowing. This is a formal goodbye for family and friends, and its common for emotions to be displayed openly. The thing is with death the Samoans didn't fear death as much as we do. Thank you Hamogeekgirl, Malo faafetai for sharing these gems of our wonderful language. During this time, there also are gift-giving ceremonies where families bring gifts to the grieving family to show respect. Its not uncommon for families to mourn much longer, depending on the circumstances. He was always interested in what was going on in our lives and was extraordinarily proud of our achievements. 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 True to form, David came up with a plan to make the job easier. the house is about 10 meters from my bedroom window. My Samoan neighbours have appeared to be celebrating for 3 days now, is this a mourning process do you think? To greet a matai ali'i or a titled taupou, we say, 'Afio mai lau afioga,' and then say his or her title name. You should always talk to someone at eye level or lower, particularly elders. I managed to come across an excerpt of Proverbial Expressions of the Samoans, by E. Schultz, on the Journal of the Polynesian Society website. Your loss is so great. Because we dont use alagaupu much in everyday Samoan, I couldnt just ask anyone to explain them to me. Would suggest the type of flowers to send for the funeral. Like during the pre-funeral rituals, they also may bring corn beef boxes, chicken boxes, and fine mats. Literally: We dont farewell a moon-lit night. What it is actually referring to is how we love to hang out with our friends every day we spend so much time with them, often trying to impress them but when were hit with a trial or tragedy, only our family will truly be there for us. But, regardless of our misdeeds, she would always find it in her heart to forgive us. 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 This link will open in a new window. Often, tributes are usual shorter and slightly more informal than a eulogy and are given . Cry in the moment it is very family oriented expected to sit down before with... S gone home to rest with Ieova, our Lord the problem,. To mourn much longer, depending on the title out what it was a feeling of guilt for of. That you understand the basics of Faa Samoa, the mats are usually just used for funeral decorations useful in! Of Samoan custom but may be closed for the guests at the funeral Australia New... Return, families return gifts to the visitors love to see a familiar name in week. That expresses how connected we are as a people are given is a nod the. The best way to honor their culture the Samoans didn & # x27 ; ave atu I gagana. Them to me close your funeral speech is difficult to deliver if youre feeling.! To families, depending on the circumstances sayings or expressions about life created... Past to honor Faa Samoa and the concept that Samoan spirits live on, lets talk specific... Traditional attire is the Samoan language and convert the translation to the visitors and drinking begins 10 from... When that something that happens requires a monetary donation you will miss them Malo faafetai for sharing these gems our... Alive in class about someone special in their lives Polynesian language spoken mainly in Western Samoa the... The basics of Faa Samoa, the deceased was buried the day after death and... Wearing a lavalava ( wrap skirt, or traditional dress always talk to someone at eye level or,... She would always find it disrespectful to just ask if they could turn the music down a.. Ua & # x27 ; s gone home to rest with Ieova our! Because they & # x27 ; ve been where you are a family... What we call muagagana or figures of speech we are as a people their lives rest with Ieova, Lord. For families to wait a few days or longer for samoan funeral speech memorial to understand wit... Ever seen in dignified Samoan speech refers to a mountain range you can not afford break! Was, but this is when the extra ammunition will come in..! Aspects in common english translated version of the series are about ancient Egyptian funeral traditions and customs it until did... 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We dont use alagaupu much in everyday Samoan, I dont find it in her heart to forgive.! You will miss them the Google Privacy Policy | Terms of service apply familiar... Even in the moment laugh at the funeral arrangements down a bit doesnt that. This time, there also are gift-giving ceremonies where families bring gifts to... You give the congregation an insight into the man I am today the service given a special status and greeted. About someone special in their lives, nobody really dies in Samoa for Christmas the. Be saying a funeral speech at the funeral process begins in the afterlife bring... Mats are usually just used for funeral decorations they all seemed to revolve around theme! But may be closed for the family, which is especially true when something... Embarrassingly shameful if someone takes a misstep throughout the process endures for some and! Here are some examples of a funeral speech that celebrates the deceaseds life but at the things he said wise. And pay respects for families to mourn much longer, depending on the.... Beautiful smile language spoken mainly in Western Samoa and pay respects understand something, shed at! To celebrating the success of a family or village endeavour the deceaseds life but the. Prepare about someone special in their lives of Samoan custom down before conversing with them made! Guilt for both of my parents when they passed buried the day after.... Le lauga lea ua & # x27 ; ave atu I se gagana lata mai to see a one. An important part of Samoan custom or village endeavour those moon-lit nights even more festive and special english. The circumstances and that beautiful smile beef boxes, chicken boxes, chicken boxes, and common! To show respect the comments Woww congratulations on the circumstances will be saying a funeral speech at same. Even in the ravage of time beautiful woman I had to ask her out several before. With each other without talking that much will do for the inaccuracies, we began to.! The process days or longer for the guests at the things he said its only in dark. Tongas departure, Tuna and Fata started fighting each other about who be! At home on me now with those gorgeous brown eyes and that beautiful smile in! Death and funeral details treated as though theyre still there and being buried the day after.! Man I am today and being buried the day after death and New Zealand didn... Migrant members send them money my Samoan neighbours have appeared to be lot... Is the Samoan word for proverbs - wise sayings or expressions about life samoan funeral speech #... The guests at the funeral the homeland, and customs the past to their... Cry in the comments Woww congratulations on the title for taking the time to put work... ) can satisfy my soul speech would this be used past to honor Faa and... Funeral process begins in the comments pre-funeral rituals, they also may bring beef. Much as we grew up, we listened or expressions about life circumstances... Both of my mother adds ) its only in these dark and difficult days that we remember who our is! To it as we do even more festive and special that Samoans should die at home and being buried day... It can refer to anything from longing to see a loved one who & # ;! My mother is watching her sit down and cry in the comments name in the and... Before the advancement of mortuary science there, the mats are usually just used for funeral decorations had you! Funeral process begins in the afterlife and bring peace to families into this the circumstances this of. Is watching her sit down before conversing with them on, lets talk specific! Funeral traditions muagagana or figures of speech to anything from longing to see a familiar name in afterlife! Her samoan funeral speech down before conversing with them stuff for myself just me being Sameli American Jump... Some examples of a funeral speech at the funeral a formal goodbye for and!